Contest announced for Belizean poets

Poetry, it’s taken on new meaning in Belize City as enthusiasts have descended on a local nightspot to express their innermost feelings through the spoken word. Born out of this growing pool of talent, the Belizean Poets Group is holding the first ever Belizean Poets Contest, scheduled to take place at the Lyrical Lounge in the Putt Putt Bar and Grill on Thursday, September eighth. According to organisers Adele Ramos and Orson Elrington, the event is just one effort designed to create cultural consciousness in these days of national celebration.

Adele Ramos, Organiser, Poetry Contest
“All people over the age of eighteen, who write poetry, you don’t have to be an expert, it could be your first. You can submit it, but we are asking for three entries, one of them has to be dedicated to Belize and we are asking also that there be no profanity, no vulgarity in the poems.”

Orson Elrington, Manager, Putt Putt Bar and Grill
“The artists that have graced the stage here at the Lyrical Lounge have just been able to create a whole cultural revolution. It has been able to show people that there are different ways of expressing themselves without actually going out there and having violence, you can do it in a different way and have similar impact than the normal mediums by which the youth express themselves. And they have found that it has been–the impact has been even much more powerful than they may have anticipated.”

Adele Ramos
“John Alexander Watler, famous Belizean playwright, novelist and poet is releasing a new CD on September eight, it’s called “The Story of Belize City” and he has agreed to make a special appearance here at the Lyrical Lounge on Thursday, September eight.”

According to Ramos, before the start of the contest, a collection featuring works from local poets will also be performed. To enter the contest, you must be a member of the Belizean Poets Group. Membership is open and deadline for entry is Friday, September second. For more information please contact Adele Ramos at 602-0181. Prizes include cash and publications from poets such as Ramos, Anne Lowe, Ernest McPherson, Rita Sedacy, and Edward Broaster.