Cayman Poets perform at local brewery

Georgina Wilcox

The Cayman Poetry Festival last Friday (9) highlighted the immense talents of local Cayman Islands poets.

I was concerned whether the actual readings were going to match the quality of the works that were on show.

I needn’t have worried. Even though the event was held at The Cayman Distillery in George Town (behind Animal House) with free wine available courtesy of the brewery, who were one of the sponsors, all performances were flawless.

I use the word ‘performances’ because that was exactly how all the poets recited their works. Some even managed to perform without the actual text in their hands – a feat noteworthy of a medal.

The event was subtitled “FLOETRY CAYMAN DISTILLERY” and it was standing room only as all the seats were soon taken and that also included the barrels that were displayed around the room. Some of the audience even sat on the floor and it was not due to the alcohol consumption. Standing on one’s feet for over two hours was indeed a feat (pun intended) as I had to do.

Full marks to Michel Powery who was the main organiser and brain child of the Poetry Festival and is himself an accomplished poet.

Performers at Floetry included Shanda Gallego, Alita Soloman, Sophia McKenzie, Peter Westn, kevin Cleary, Fona Pimental (who also was the MC), Patrick Lopez, Phillip Paschaliedes, Shilpa Tagapallewar, tricia Sybersma, Alyson Medeiros, Alta Solomon, Lorna Reid, and last but not least our very own Joan Wilson.

Congratulations to everyone for a most delightful evening and I hope this will become an annual event.