In its diverse subjects and themes, in the broad dispersal of both writers and readers, Caribbean literature has a global sweep. Two generations ago, Jamaican poet Louise Bennett-Coverley wrote about Caribbean people âcolonising in reverseâ âand, indeed, contemporary Caribbean authors have helped shift and broaden the focus of the international literary world, changing the conversation in every way.
Raising the international profile of Caribbean authors and building a broader readership for Caribbean writing outside the region has been a key objective of the Bocas Lit Fest for the past decade. Through strategic partnerships with international cultural agencies such as the Commonwealth Foundation and the British Council, as well as international literary festivals, Bocas has created opportunities for Caribbean writers to present and publish their work, and network with peers in locations ranging from the United States, Canada and Britain to Bangladesh, South Africa and
Colonising literature in reverse
Canadian-Guyanese writer Tessa McWatt, author of Shame on Me. -
The following is a recap by the Bocas Lit Fest of the events it held despite this pandemic year.
In its diverse subjects and themes, in the broad dispersal of both writers and readers, Caribbean literature has a global sweep. Two generations ago, the Jamaican poet Louise Bennett-Coverley wrote about Caribbean people “colonising in reverse” and, indeed, contemporary Caribbean authors have helped shift and broaden the focus of the international literary world, changing the conversation in every way.
Raising the international profile of Caribbean authors and building a broader readership for Caribbean writing outside the region has been a key objective of the Bocas Lit Fest for the past decade. Through strategic partnerships with international cultural agencies such as the Commonwealth Foundation and the British Council, as well as international literary festivals, Bocas has creat