Fiction and Poetry Readings: A Tribute to George Lamming (1993)

Dr. Sandra Paquet of the University of Miami English Dept., a Caribbean scholar, introduces "the ninth and final segment" of 1993 CWSI readings and describes the work George Lamming has done for the Institute. CWSI participants read excerpts from George Lamming's work and works of other writers. Everton Sylvester reads from a speech by Lamming. Garfield Ellis reads from Aime Cesaire's notebook Return to the Native Land. Jane King reads from Truth and Consequences by Edward Baugh. Carl Limerick reads from Looking at Your Hands by Martin Carter. Kendel Hippolyte of Saint Lucia reads his poem "Birthright." Nigerian writer Karen King-Aribisala reads her long poem "Another Kingdom." Aruba-born Lasana Sekou of St. Martin/Sint Maarten reads a poem. Clyde "Durm-I" Brooks (a.k.a Klyde Broox), Jamaican-Canadian dub-poet and performer, reads "Prison Island." Sandra Paquet introduces the next segment of the program. Geoffrey Philp talks about Lamming and then reads an excerpt from Lamming's "Occasion for Speaking" from the book The Pleasures of Exile. Maryse La Vega reads an excerpt from Lamming's In the Castle of My Skin and continues to tell a story of her interaction with him. Sandra Paquet introduces the next segment of the program. Jane King reads "Examined and Reexamined by a Character Called G: A Pebble Accumulates Meaning," an excerpt from In the Castle of My Skin. Sandra Paquet then introduces a group reading. Three women, including Karen King-Aribisala, read an excerpt from the end of Lamming's Natives of My Person, in which three wives wait in a cave for their husbands to rejoin them, unaware that they have been abandoned. The music fades out. Sandra Paquet acknowledges the contribution from the musicians. Mervyn Morris reads "Jack-O'-Lantern." The Panatics Steelband performs. Sandra Paquet introduces University of Miami English Dept Chairman Zack R. Bowen, who speaks about his lifelong interest in Irish literature, his introduction to Caribbean literature, and, humorously, how he met Lamming for the first time. Barbadian writer George Lamming speaks about the first three years of CWSI, about the benefits of international intellectual cooperation, and about the significant role of the university. He thanks members of the English Department, includingBowen and senior secretary Mary Dulik. Lamming reads a poem about giving thanks and receives a standing ovation. Sandra Paquet concludes the program, inviting participants to a wine-and-cheese reception.