Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Hon. Stephen Lashley (centre), greeting Author, George Lamming; while Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Professor Eudine Barriteau, looks on.
By:
Krystal Penny Bowen
A special Independence edition of BIM magazine was launched yesterday in the presence of contributor and famed Barbadian novelist, Professor George Lamming, and many of the Barbadian writers who contributed to the publication on the Leslie Robinson Foyer at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill campus.
Editor of BIM magazine, Esther Phillips, gave some brief comments on the history of the magazine and the current cover of Volume 8 edition. She spoke about the first time her work was published in the magazine and the fact the magazine will be in existence for 75 years next year. With reference to the cover of the magazine, Ms. Phillips explained that the typewriter featured on the front actually belonged to the late Frank Collymore.
This year, the Independence magazine focuses on Barbados’ creative writing over 50 years as well as Barbadian matters. Some of the writers being featured in the magazine include Ms. Phillips, Lamming, Kamau Brathwaite, Austin Clarke, Anthony Kellman, Linda Deane, Sir Henry Fraser, Sir Hilary Beckles, Mark McWatt and Adrian Greene.
Ms. Phillips added that plans are being laid to launch BIM magazine online shortly, however, there is a need for technical expertise and funding to complete the project.
During his opening remarks, UWI Librarian, Carlyle Best, said that BIM was one of the oldest publications in the Caribbean and the launch presented an opportunity to celebrate the late Frank Collymore and many Caribbean writers who have contributed over the years. However, he reminded the audience that although Collymore’s name is synonymous with BIM, it was the Young Men Progressive Club which established the magazine with its first editor, E.L. “Jimmy” Cozier.
He added that the Sidney Martin Library has been featuring 12 literary writers and this month the late Frank Collymore’s work is being highlighted, paying homage to the 32 years he dedicated to giving Caribbean writers a voice.
During the launch, the audience was treated to a reading of intimate letters from George Lamming to Frank Collymore by patron and consultant editor, Lamming.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Honourable Stephen Lashley, expressed his ministry’s commitment to the publication; while Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Cave Hill Campus, Professor V. Eudine Barriteau, during her remarks, expressed her appreciation of a recent gift of several publications of BIM.
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