Calabash lends itself to those society columns of society sightings that still persist in Jamaican newspapers today. You know, Minister Lisa Hanna looking chic and summery in a breezy white blouse and sleek shin length black slacks; or youthful Minister Crawford going casual in jeans and a stylish shirt, his...

Saturday May 26, 2012

At 10 o'clock on Saturday morning, the seats in the tent were sparsely occupied. The sun had not assumed its full force as yet, so a certain coolness prevailed. Saturday mornings at Calabash are perhaps the most fashionable. They offer a study of summer fare--loose slacks,...

May 25th 2012

After the final reading on Friday night, the crowd moved from the tented area of the festival where the readings take place, leaving a team of young boys in blue shirts and pants, to straighten out the rows of seats and clean away whatever debris was left...

Four music writers giving their take on the importance of Jamaican music over the last 50 years. The session title is a nod to the music of Don Drummond, the great jazz and ska innovator of the 1960s.

Carolyn Cooper is a committed public intellectual - a woman of...

May 25th, 2012

At six o'clock, I made my way down to the tent auditorium of Calabash. The area has been beautifully manicured and cared for by Jakes. The large lawn tapers downwards towards a crowding of rocks, bramble and squat seaside trees that over look a rocky cliff. The...

May 25, 2012

Friday morning at Jubilation, after a refreshing saltwater bath in the sea water swimming pool at Jakes, after a classic Jamaican breakfast of ackee and saltfish, dumplings and callalloo, after laughter and ease of being among my entire family here with me for the first time (which...

It has been two years since the last incarnation of Calabash. During those two years Colin Channer, Justine Henzell and myself, the founders and organizers of this literary festival have thought long about the continuation of this wonderful gift. The compelling drive to host the festival once again was the...