The Gleaner reminds us that lovers of literature and writing will gather on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at the Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, for the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta [see previous post Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta]. Same-day return transportation from Kingston to the Fiesta has been arranged, departing from Knutsford Express, 18 Dominica Drive, New Kingston, at 6:30am and from Treasure Beach at 5:00pm.

This year’s Fiesta is being staged in partnership with the Department of Literatures in English, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and the Gloria Lyn Memorial Fund (GLMF). The fund supports students of literature at UWI, Mona, promoting the value chain of studying literature through mentoring and the award of an annual cash prize. During the Fiesta, donations will be accepted for the GLMF.

Through the works of established and emerging poets and writers of books, blogs, and a play, under the theme ‘Those Who Came’, Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta will recognise the contribution of persons who enrich the cultural fabric of Jamaica.

Renowned writer and poet Lorna Goodison headlines the line-up, which includes Jamaica’s Poet Laureate Professor Mervyn Morris; Professor Emeritus of English Eddie Baugh; lecturer and poet Tanya Shirley; poet and playwright Easton Lee; storyteller and actress Amina Blackwood Meeks; performance poets Cherry Natural and Peta Gaye Williams; and blogger and researcher at UWI, Mona, Annie Paul.

Novelists include Musgrave medallist and Observer Bookends editor, Sharon Leach; retired UWI lecturer, writer and editing professional (Journal of West Indian Literature; Pathways, a journal of creative writing), Victor Chang; author of the award-winning Mountain of Inheritance, Carol Dunn; author of Young Heroes of the Caribbean and writer for young adults, Gwyneth Harold Davidson; Jhada and Jonadee Martin, twin teen novelists of the fantasy fiction book The Fallen Empire; and author of the romance novel The Boy Next Door, Mandisa Parnell.

Theatre practitioner Fabian Thomas will restage his 10-minute play Devon, and also host the day’s programme, which includes an open-mic segment.

Xavienne Roma Richardson, the first recipient of a GMLF scholarship, will read an excerpt of Gloria Lyn’s Memories from a Jamaican Village, which was published in Ray Chen’s book The Shopkeepers. Chen will be at Talking Trees to sign copies of his books.

The UWI Bookshop will have books by the writers for sale and the Treasure Beach Women’s Group will have second-hand books available. There will be booths with produce, craft, and other items for browsing and purchase, and tasty food and drink will be on sale throughout the day.

In recognition of Labour Day and to promote the planting of trees to feed people, create jobs, and benefit the environment, the Trees that Feed Foundation will symbolically present two fruit trees to the proprietor of Two Seasons Guest House.

For full article, see http://jamaicagleaner.com/article/entertainment/20150505/talking-trees-presents-blend-writers

Photo of Cherry Natural from http://www.susumba.com/books/reviews/intellectual-bad-gyal-unleashed-poetry-society