By Mel Cooke, Freelance WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
WHEN THE celebrations of 200 years of Haitian independence gets under way next year, the poets will have a lot to say.
And it is only appropriate, as Haitian cultural expression, including art, dance and literature, are very much alive and well.
Their voices will rise on January 18, when there will be a 'Poetz Tribute to the Revolution' at the Ashanti Oasis Restaurant in Hope Gardens, St. Andrew. However, it is not the only time that the poets will honour the 200th anniversary of Dessalines' declaration of Haitian independence from France.
And, in other cases, they will not be alone.
MASSIVE 2004 EVENT
Chair of the Performing Arts Committee for the commemoration, which coincides with the International Year for the Struggle against Slavery, L'Antoinette Stines, said that poetry will be involved in a massive August 2004 event, slated for Emancipation Park. Also on that committee are Pat Ramsay and Myrtha Desulme.
That high point of the commemoration of two centuries since Haiti was declared independent will also involve dance, song and varied creative expressions.
Saying that Haitian art, poetry and dance are very vibrant and have influenced the rest of the Caribbean, Ms. Stines said the intention will be to "give respect to the cultural presence of Haiti."
August 23 is the official international day for remembering the struggle against the slave trade.
Before that, however, during Black History Month in February, poetry will also play a very strong role. Ms. Stines mentioned a poetry project by Mutabaruka and Myrtha Desulme which will be involved, saying the "words are very revolutionary and effective."
DUB POETS ON SHOW
One of the Jamaican poetry organisations which is planning to make an input in the celebrations is the Rass Rod-led Dub Traffickers. However, he will also be focusing on a poetry specific date, March 21, which is International Poetry Day, which the broad-based organisation also marked last year.
"Last year we used the sound system with an open microphone format," Rod said, noting that this will also be done this time around. Once again, the venue will be the Livity Restaurant on Hope Road in St. Andrew.
However, there is yet another purpose to that event as Rod plans to utilise the presence of the many poets expected to be present for the event.
"We will be looking at an organisation to spearhead a Dub Poetry Festival," Rass Rod said.
