Tag: Kingston Book Festival

Meet the Book Industry Association of Jamaica’s inaugural Literacy Heroes

March 7, 2023

The Book Industry Association of Jamaica is about to present its inaugural Literacy Hero Awards to a sustainable community library project in Rose Town, a social media reading campaign led by a mother and son duo, a Pan-African mobile bookstore, and a foundation for children with intellectual disabilities to honour the memory of a beloved “bookworm” sister. APPLAUSE! … More Meet the Book Industry Association of Jamaica’s inaugural Literacy Heroes

BIAJ Chairperson, Latoya West-Blackwood, selected to participate in prestigious Edinburgh Festivals Momentum International Programme

June 12, 2018

Latoya West-Blackwood is a hard-working Jamaican woman with a special energy. She pays attention to everything. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with her on a few projects. Now, as Chairperson of the Book Industry Association of Jamaica, she has been invited to visit the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Scotland in August. I am … More BIAJ Chairperson, Latoya West-Blackwood, selected to participate in prestigious Edinburgh Festivals Momentum International Programme

A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

March 14, 2018

Warm breezes have been blowing in Kingston. Heavy rain showers on the north coast brought more flooding in their wake. Agriculture: and JAMPRO to the rescue? The agriculture sector has been in decline for a while now, with the constant excuse of “the weather” trotted out (anyone heard of “climate-smart” agriculture?) Late last year the Planning Institute of … More A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

Deaf Poets Take the Stage at Kingston Book Festival

March 5, 2018

There’s a very exciting element in this year’s Kingston Book Festival, which opens today. There will be one day dedicated to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – this coming Thursday, March 8. British Jamaican poet Raymond Antrobus will participate; his visit is sponsored by the British Council in Jamaica. See if you can meet, join and … More Deaf Poets Take the Stage at Kingston Book Festival

Bookish Delights: Highlights of the Kingston Book Festival 2016

March 18, 2016

Last week (March 5 – 12) was a delight. It was the Kingston Book Festival 2016. Spirited discussions took place. There were insightful information sessions, entrancing readings of poetry and prose…and the Kingston Book Fair, bright, noisy and fun. Throughout the week and at every event, there was busy networking, quiet sharing of ideas, mutual … More Bookish Delights: Highlights of the Kingston Book Festival 2016

Yes, Kingston is a Creative City, But It’s Not Just Reggae Music

March 12, 2016

Late last year, the cultural arm of the United Nations, UNESCO designated Kingston, Jamaica as a “Creative City.” The then Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment lobbied hard for this, and the Tourism Enhancement Fund reportedly put up J$3.4 million in support of these efforts. So, this is all good stuff. It’s a good selling point. … More Yes, Kingston is a Creative City, But It’s Not Just Reggae Music