Laparkan sponsors young poets for Carifesta

Aug 13, 2008 News

The Maranatha Ministries International on Sunday held the first ever Dynamic Poetry award ceremony at which 14 awardees, ages 15-25, recited poems for and received prizes at the Maranatha Ministries on Quamina Street, Georgetown.

The event was funded by Mr. Glenn Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Laparkan Group of Companies and operated under the theme ‘Excitement and fun in poetry’.

The judges were Lydia Beresford, the advisor of the ceremony; Michelle Brummell, youth leader; and Jennifer Smith, director of the Maranatha Ministries. The budding poets were judged in the four merits; message, rhythm, climax and dynamics.

The top awardee, Shondell France, received $50,000 for her poem ‘Take a Stand’. For her second place finish Sonell David-Long received $30,000. She presented her poem ‘The Blood Song’.

Shantel Scott who received $20,000 for her ‘Old life Goodbye’ was the third place finisher. The three lucky winners will be granted the opportunity to present their pieces at Carifesta X.

Tivia Collins, Rondell Douglas, George Persaud, the other presenters and Jonel Roberts were each presented with a copy of The Lame Takes the Prey, a novel written by the host of the ceremony, Apostle and internationally recognized poet Vanrick Beresford.

Beresford entertained the audience between sessions with some of his best poems and assured them that the pieces he performed are original.