Organizers buoyed by the inaugural poetry competition
By Neil Armstrong
Toronto-based poet, writer and educator, Canute Lawrence, is overjoyed with the end result of the inaugural Vibrations Poetry Competition (VPF) he co-organized in Jamaica in August.
Working alongside literary artist Marguerite Anderson for a 12 months, they created the competition as a celebration of poetic expression, cultural heritage, and the rhythmic spirit of Jamaican-inspired storytelling.
Held on the Edna Manley Faculty of the Visible & Performing Arts in Kingston, three poets walked away with substantial money prizes within the poetry writing competitors.
They have been Keya (pen title) of Pembroke Corridor Excessive College, who acquired J$70,000 – first place for her poem, “In Silence”; second place went to Jaheal Letford, a latest graduate of Calabar Excessive College, for his poem, “Why Me?” which noticed him stroll away with J$40,000; and Abigail Clayton, a second-year scholar at The Mico College Faculty, clinched third place, J$25,000, for “The Shift.”
Letford thanked God for steering his path. “I had no concept concerning the competitors till somebody posted the flyer on social media. And even then, I used to be completely unaware whether or not I used to be eligible, as I wouldn’t be current on the awards ceremony, however I used to be prompted to attempt nonetheless.”
Noting that he felt defeated for an extended whereas till he heard about it, Letford stated when he was shortlisted, “it reignited hope that within the midst of chaos, delay shouldn’t be denial, delay shouldn’t be last, and silence isn’t the peace of mind of defeat.”
He described his win as a celebration of his journey from dreaming to changing into; he began writing within the ninth grade.
“A fantastic scholar, I had very good English and literature academics; even so, I by no means imagined myself writing. I noticed that these ideas flowed naturally, and I should nurture the reward I used to be bestowed. Among the poems from my early years have been integrated in my anthology “Looking for Misplaced Hope,” which I accomplished in my latter years at Calabar Excessive College in Kingston.”
He notes that poetry isn’t one thing he idly practices, however a really intricately and deliberately expressed language by way of written and spoken phrases searching for to evoke genuine interplay between himself and the reader. “Poetry is a calling that may proceed to weave into the material of who Jaheal is and can change into. I’m embarking on new tasks, however finally need to encourage others, particularly youths to change into a aware collective of literacy lovers.”
Clayton stated gaining third place was an exceptional expertise that supplied a way of validity for her ardour for poetry. “It motivated me to proceed pushing the boundaries of my creativity. I used to be each humbled and honoured by this reminder that my phrases do resonate with others.”
She has been writing poetry for over 9 years to authentically specific herself. “On particular events, it might convey honest delight to craft my love and real affection for family members on this method. It’s my approach of capturing moments, feelings and significant occasions.”
Clayton hopes to publish a group of her poems, experiment with completely different kinds and types, collaborate with different poets and consultants, and share her work with bigger audiences. “In the end, I hope to encourage and join with others whereas creating as a voice within the literary world.”
Lawrence and Anderson have been joined on the panel of judges by veteran broadcaster, actress and public speaker, Totlyn Oliver, who flew to Jamaica from the USA for the competition, and veteran actress, producer, entrepreneur, and Jamaica Cultural Improvement Fee decide, Angela Jarrett. Their selections on the winners have been unanimous.
Describing the competition as a powerful success, Lawrence expressed gratitude to the people in Jamaica, Canada, america, and England who contributed to the money awards. He was additionally grateful to Kurt Davis, Jamaica’s consul-general at Toronto, for his ethical help.
The second installment of the poetry competition will probably be on August 8, 2026.
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