ArtsEtc's green publication launched

ON June 9, ArtsEtc launched its latest publication, Green Readings: Barbados, The First Five Years [2008-2012] on the Boardwalk at Hastings. It was a fun occasion and part of Green Readings 2012—the annual showcase of open-air environmental readings and performance. 

The 48-page anthology features the work of roughly 24 literary and other artists who have participated in Green Readings since its inception in 2008, and offers an overview of the readings and the philosophy behind them. Contributors to the anthology were on hand to receive their copies and to read excerpts from the published work.

Anthology contributor Sandra Sealy receives her copy from Robert Sandiford. Linda M. Deane (left) and Donna King-Brathwaite from the Ministry of the Environment look on.

The annual event and the publication are the result of partnership between ArtsEtc and the Environment Education Committee in Barbados’ Ministry of the Environment and Drainage. Ministry officials addressed the gathering (see BGIS story for more) and Environment officers have since taken copies of the anthology to the Earth Summit in Rio environmental conference currently happening in Brazil—an amazing opportunity for Barbadian writing and creativity to reach appreciative audiences far beyond our shores. 

Premanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment and Drainage, Gayle Francis-Vaughn 

 The launch was followed by performances from 2012 featured Green Readers Ian Bourne reading in tribute to his late mother Carolle Bourne, Arnold Ward and Dana Gilkes; and anthology contributors reading short excerpts from the book.

GR12 Readers (l-r): Ian Bourne, Arnold Ward and Dana Gilkes

Anthology contributor Dorhonda Smith reads her excerpt from the book

There was also some excellent jazz from James De Lovell & Friends, a lively Boardwalk Talk (open mic) session, plus books on sale, refreshments—in short, the cool lime that is Green Readings.

James De Lovell & Friends

Checking out the green anthology

Good green eats

Writers on the Boardwalk, Hastings 

No fear if you missed it! GR12 Part 2 comes off this weekend at Folkestone Park in Holetown, St. James, where gracious co-host will be John Nicholls, manager of the  Folkestone Marine Reserve. Featured readers will be Keoma Mallett, Norma Meek and Indrani Santiago. Click here for more on them. There will also be opportunity to obtain copies of the Green Readings anthology.


Green Readings: Barbados, The First Five Years [2008-2012] is also available from ArtsEtc and from the Ministry of the Environment and Drainage. See our website for more about other publications from ArtsEtc.

ArtsEtc editors Robert Edison Sandiford and Linda M. Deane

• Photographs (with exception of book close-ups) by June Stoute, GR12 photo/rapporteur.