Next stop Antigua & Barbuda with Joy Lawrence OH

Commonwealth Poetry Podcast

In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Joy Lawrence an educator, author of several books delving into the rich folklore and history of Antigua and Barbuda, and a talented poet. Joy's interest in her country's history was kindled when she discovered that Bethesda, her hometown, was home to the first slave school in the British West Indies. Exploring that history and sharing wonderful poems that capture both the impact of devastating hurricanes on the island, as well as the use of language to paint an image. In a delightful twist, the episode also features the words of a Calypso song, celebrating the legendary Viv Richards, who is hailed as one of the greatest cricket players of all time and a national hero. Joy eloquently describes Calypso as poetry set to music.

Poems this episode include: Love Me; An Interview with Hurricane Luis; and Whirlwind, all by Joy Lawrence; and Viv is the Name, Cricket is the game, a Calypso song written by King Short Shirt (Sir MacLean Emanuel).