Organizers buoyed by the inaugural poetry festival

By Neil Armstrong

Toronto-based poet, author and educator, Canute Lawrence, is overjoyed with the outcome of the inaugural Vibrations Poetry Festival (VPF) he co-organized in Jamaica in August.

Working alongside literary artist Marguerite Anderson for a year, they created the festival as a celebration of poetic expression, cultural heritage, and the rhythmic spirit of Jamaican-inspired storytelling.

Held at the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts in Kingston, three poets walked away with substantial cash prizes in the poetry writing competition.

They were Keya (pen name) of Pembroke Hall High School, who received J$70,000 – first place for her poem, “In Silence”; second place went to Jaheal Letford, a recent graduate of Calabar High School, for his poem, “Why Me?” which saw him walk away with J$40,000; and Abigail Clayton, a second-year student at The Mico University College, clinched third place, J$25,000, for “The Shift.”

Letford thanked God for directing his path. “I had no idea about the competition until someone posted the flyer on social media. And even then, I was totally unaware whether I was eligible, as I wouldn’t be present at the awards ceremony, but I was prompted to try nonetheless.”

Noting that he felt defeated for a long while until he heard about it, Letford said when he was shortlisted, “it reignited hope that in the midst of chaos, delay is not denial, delay is not final, and silence isn’t the assurance of defeat.”

He described his win as a celebration of his journey from dreaming to becoming; he started writing in the ninth grade.

“A great student, I had superb English and literature teachers; even so, I never imagined myself writing. I realized that these thoughts flowed naturally, and I ought to nurture the gift I was bestowed. Some of the poems from my early years were incorporated in my anthology “Searching for Lost Hope,” which I completed in my latter years at Calabar High School in Kingston.”

He notes that poetry isn’t something he idly practices, but a very intricately and intentionally expressed language through written and spoken words seeking to evoke authentic interaction between himself and the reader. “Poetry is a calling that will continue to weave into the fabric of who Jaheal is and will become. I am embarking on new projects, but ultimately want to inspire others, especially youths to become a conscious collective of literacy enthusiasts.”

Clayton said gaining third place was a phenomenal experience that offered a sense of validity for her passion for poetry. “It motivated me to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity. I was both humbled and honoured by this reminder that my words do resonate with others.”

She has been writing poetry for over nine years to authentically express herself. “On special occasions, it would bring sincere delight to craft my love and genuine affection for loved ones in this manner. It is my way of capturing moments, emotions and meaningful events.”

Clayton hopes to publish a collection of her poems, experiment with different forms and styles, collaborate with other poets and experts, and share her work with larger audiences. “Ultimately, I hope to inspire and connect with others while developing as a voice in the literary world.”

Lawrence and Anderson were joined on the panel of judges by veteran broadcaster, actress and public speaker, Totlyn Oliver, who flew to Jamaica from the USA for the festival, and veteran actress, producer, entrepreneur, and Jamaica Cultural Development Commission judge, Angela Jarrett. Their decisions on the winners were unanimous.

Describing the festival as a resounding success, Lawrence expressed gratitude to the individuals in Jamaica, Canada, the United States, and England who contributed to the cash awards. He was also grateful to Kurt Davis, Jamaica’s consul-general at Toronto, for his moral support.

The second installment of the poetry festival will be on August 8, 2026.

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