As many National Events are taking place in the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis to celebrate twenty-seven years of Independence Christine E. Clarke is taking her pride abroad, as she was invited by “The Nevisian Association of Washington DC (NEV-DC) to perform her poems at Behthesda North Marriott Hotel in Rockville Maryland on September 18
th and 19
th at “The Nevisian Association Sixth Annual Awards Ceremony”.
The Nevisian Association of Washington DC (NEV-DC) "Mission is to promote economic, educational, technological, social and cultural advancement of Nevisians and their descendants, at home and abroad".
http://www.nevdc.org/
Christine E. Clarke, a writer for many years, has received many accolades for her poetry. In 2005 she attended “The International Society of Poets – Symposium and Convention” in Washington D.C. and received an award before eighteen-hundred fellow poets from fifty countries after reading her poetry. She was inducted as an honorary “International poet of Merit for 2005-2006.” She was awarded a silver bowl trophy and commemorative medallion to honour her poetic dedication and achievements. She has read her poetry on local Radio stations e.g.: Radio Paradise, ZIZ, WINN FM, Goodwill Radio, Sugar City Rock and Choice Radio, she has performed in churches, at funerals and weddings . In 2010 Christine has channeled her thoughts and published a book of poetry entitled “Reach Out-Give Praise Poems for Inspiration”.
CB: I sat down with Christine before she left for Washington to find out how she felt about being invited to perform her poetry at this very prestigious event.
CHRISTINE: “I feel honored but, first of all I have to thank God for his blessings, for this great opportunity to exhibit my talent. Also, I feel like an ambassador going forth to promote my country. I just want to promote my beautiful Federation. I’m just happy to know that I was given the chance to represent my beautiful - federation”.
CB: Can you give us some insights into the poem that you will be performing at the “The Nevisian Association Sixth Annual Awards Ceremony”?
CHRISITNE: “I will read a poem after the National Anthem and the raising of the National Flag. During the performance I will be wearing an outfit that is a reflection of the National Flag and I will also be holding the Flag”.
POEM EXERT: “MANY ARE THE STRUGGLES WE’VE BEEN THROUGH AND FOR YEARS HAVE BORNE, BUT THE COLOURS OF OUR NATIONAL FLAG SYMBOLIZE THAT FREEDOM HAS COME…”
CHRISITNE: “MANY ARE THE STRUGGLES WE’VE BEEN THROUGH AND FOR YEARS HAVE BORNE,” “We personally might not have gone through all the struggles that our forefathers went through, but our forefathers were the one who fought for our independence to liberate us from the slave mentality and let us know that we are free”.
“… BUT THE COLOURS OF OUR NATIONAL FLAG SYMBOLIZE THAT FREEDOM HAS COME…” “The flag symbolizes independence. The colours definitely give a message that when the national flag is being flown it shows something that we can be proud of that we can call our own.”
POEM EXERT: “OUR MELODIOUS NATIONAL ANTHEM IS SECOND TO NONE,
THE BEST IN THE WORLD, STANDING TALL, ITS’ NUMBER ONE”
CHRISITNE: “OUR MELODIOUS NATIONAL ANTHEM IS SECOND TO NONE,” “In my opinion I have never heard another national anthem that is so melodious. It gives a sense of joy, a sense of pride.”
“THE BEST IN THE WORLD, STANDING TALL, ITS’ NUMBER ONE” “In my opinion the words and lyrics catches ones attention. There is such a melody to it that stands out when you hear the trumpets.”
CB: Have you ever been to Washington before?
CHRISITNE: “Yes. I traveled to Washington in 2005 where I attended the “International Society of Poets Symposium and Poetry Contest.”
CB: Did you submit a poem in the competition?
CHRISTINE: “Yes, I submitted a poem entitled “Be Confident”, which is in the book. The competition consisted of eleven hundred poets? I was the only person present from St. Kitts”.
CB: Did your poem place in the competition?
CHRISITNE: “I got a trophy for participating. I also received a silver medal and many souvenirs from the event”.
CB: What kind of presence was at the “International Society of Poets Symposium and Poetry Contest?”
CHRISTINE: “There were many international poets present at this event. Poets from approximately fifty different countries attended”.
CB: Christine, Thank-you for taking time to chat with us and letting us share in your excitement. We wish you safe travels and a successful performance! Let us know how it went when you return. Send Christine E. Clarke your words of support at Email: dominion_power@hotmail.com Christine E. Clarke’s book “Reach Out-Give Praise Poems for Inspiration” can be purchased at the following internet links;
"St. Kitts - Culture Beat" 21/09/10 - St. Kitts Department of Culture
Marlene Phillips - Research & documentation Specialist
