The Department of Literatures in English of The University of the West Indies-Mona in Jamaica, the Gloria Lyn Memorial Fund (GLMF), and the Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, are partnering to host the fourth staging of the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta on Saturday, May 23, 2015, on the grounds of Two Seasons Guest House.

Lovers of literature will be treated to a relaxing and uplifting day listening to readings by established and emerging writers. The invited featured reader is world renowned writer and poet, Lorna Goodison, CD. Other confirmed readers are Jamaica’s third Poet Laureate, UWI Professor Emeritus Mervyn Morris; UWI Professor Emeritus of English and poet, Eddie Baugh; retired UWI lecturer, writer and editing professional (Journal of West Indian Literature; Pathways, a journal of creative writing), Victor Chang; story-teller Amina Blackwood-Meeks; poet Tanya Shirley; coordinator of the Jamaica Observer’s literary publication, Bookends, and short-story writer Sharon Leach; performance poet Cherry Natural; writers for young adults Gwyneth Harold-Davidson (Young Heroes of the Caribbean), who is also one of the Fiesta’s organizers and Carol Dunn (Mountain of Inheritance). Young authors, Mandisa Parnell, author of the romance fiction, The Boy Next Door, twin sisters Jhada and Jonadee Martin who co-wrote and self-published the mythical fantasy book, The Fallen Empire), and performance poet, Peta-Gaye Williams, provide evidence that Jamaica’s literary prowess is assured.

The GLMF was launched in October 2014, under the theme, “raising the visibility of literature at The UWI.” It celebrates the contribution of Gloria Lyn, daughter of a Chinese shopkeeper from Springfield, St. Elizabeth, who lectured in 17th century English renaissance poetry at The UWI, Mona. The GLMF gives an annual award of US$500 to the student with the highest grade in any of the second year courses in West Indian literature offered at the Mona Campus.

For the full line-up and more information, visit http://www.2seasonsguesthouse.com/blog.

Also see http://www.2seasonsguesthouse.com/

[Many thanks to Christine Marrett for bringing this item to our attention.]