Readings by Francesca Monplaisir, Anson Gonzalez, Ian Bethel-Bennett, Jaqueline Johnson, Obediah Smith, and Ronald Lightbourne (1996)

Dr. Sandra Paquet of the University of Miami introduces the program and readers for CWSI July 23, 1996. Francesca Monplaisir reads an excerpt from her work in progress. Trinidadian poet Anson Gonzalez reads his poetry: "Awagawan," "That Morning," "Poormewan," "When a Poem Is Coming," "Hummingbird Eggs," and "The Beach." Ian Bethel-Bennett reads excerpts from his unpublished novel. A young man returning to his island home sits down with his grandmother, who tells him what has been happening in his absence. Jacqueline Johnson reads her poetry: "Poem for My Love," "Pa," "Calling Me Back Home," "The Listening Girl," "Blooms," and "Rose Quartz." Haitian poet Obediah Smith reads his poetry: "Common Laborer's Dilemma," "Fruits Weigh the Rain," "Frisbee's for Little Dogs, Not for Me." He then reads his short story "Someone's Sleeping in My Bed." Musician-writer Ronald Lightbourne of British Guiana, with three other readers (including Jorge Cortinas), performs a funny play-in-progress entitled "Hidden in Music," then reads his poem "Brimston Hill." Dr. Paquet concludes the program, then gives an award to Anson Gonzalez. Gonzalez recalls in his thank-you speech how she had once been his teacher.