Saint Lucia: Arthur Lewis Community College hosts poetry Slam competition finals

The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College held its second annual “Word Up Poetry Slam” Finals Competition on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. During the event, Eight students took to the stage in a bold display of literary talent, passion, and verbal expression.

The competitors’ poems’ themes range from love, politics, social commentary, personal struggles and overcoming. However, when the judges tallied the final votes were tallied, second-year CAPE student John Tench emerged the winner with his poem, “The Crucible”. Tench took home the coveted $1000 top prize.

Notably, a difference of single-digit points separated the top three spots. Crowd favourite Jayde Thomas came in second with a poem entitled “Up and Vengeful”, Meanwhile, Christa Williams capped third place with a “Divine Love Letter”. They were all rewarded with various trophies.

The Arthur Lewis Community College competition judges evaluated the contestants on stage presence, vocal quality, delivery and interpretation of the poem. Opening the Slam Finals, Lenora Agdomar had set the tone for an afternoon of raw talent and excellence with “Iyanola’s Bidding”- a tear-jerking delivery on recent violence in St. Lucia.

The other Finalists for the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College  poetry Slam Competition:
• Joanic Paul was performing “Pathway to Success.”
• Whitney Emmanuel was performing “The Priceless Change.”
• Ryn-Kyj King was performing “A Letter to You.”
• Jyle Henry performing “Sober.”
The 2023 edition of the Poetry Slam finals featured Several guest poets, including Debra Dolor, who had the audience holding on to every word with a lively social commentary piece.

Award-winning National Poet and Playwright Kendal Hippolyte also attended the event at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College finals. He performed “Poem in a Manager” in one of his published works. Other students rendered passionate music and singing performances, while MCs Sharm Peter and Kishana Smith kept the event lively.

The initiative started in 2011. The Poetry Slam event has provided a visible avenue for up-and-coming writers, essayists and poets, to display their craft. Last year’s winner was Callum James.