Derek Walcott
Derek Walcott’s new collection of poetry entitled, “The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013” was launched during a literary evening event at Government House on Monday, January 20.
It was a night of celebration, laughs, dancing and singing. Some were there just to listen to poetry from some of the more prolific international poets of our time.
The event began at 7:30 pm with a special welcome by Gandolph St. Clair. This was followed by opening remarks from Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy.
Sudeep Sen, award-winning Indian-English poet, was the first to present at the event. He was followed by the Greek poet, Stephanos Papadopoulos.
Other deliveries came from Walcott’s publisher Jonathan Galassi, president and Publisher of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and the editor of the new Walcott collection, Glyn Maxwell.
Maxwell delivered the Derek Walcott lecture during Nobel laureate Week in 2008.
The man of the night, Derek Walcott also got the opportunity to read excerpts from his new book.
Among other items of entertainment was a musical interlude by Claudia Edwards, who during refreshments sang happy birthday to Walcott.
Folk music was also performed by the skillful musicians of Manmay Kwéyòl.