Guyana’s Literary Festival has evolved into a major fixture on the country’s cultural calendar, providing writers, performers and other creatives with a dedicated platform to showcase their talent and advance the creative sector.
This was revealed by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, on Sunday evening at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) for the dramatic ‘August Morning and 1823,’ featuring a poetic tribute to Ian McDonald.
Speaking at the conclusion of this year’s festival, Minister Ramson said the event has grown significantly over the past four years, stemming from consultations with members of the creative community.
“The literary festival has really turned into a fixture on our calendar. It is something that has grown and evolved…It is a period that is really established for all of you, where you get to explore every single area that you can advance,” the minister explained
Minister Ramson emphasised that the festival was designed with Guyana’s literary and creative community in mind, providing opportunities for artists and writers to develop their craft while contributing to the growth of the country’s cultural industries.
He pointed to the government’s “right to stage” programme as one of the initiatives that emerged from earlier consultations with the creative community.
Under the programme, the government provides funding for plays and artists, while performers retain revenue generated through ticket sales and other earnings.
The minister said he was particularly pleased to see the programme creating greater opportunities for performers and contributing to improved compensation within the sector.
He said while several changes have already been made to strengthen the prize, further improvements will continue as government works to elevate the standard of Guyanese writing.
Minister Ramson also paid tribute to renowned Guyanese poet, writer and cultural figure Ian McDonald, who recently passed away. McDonald was a distinguished Trinidad-born and Guyanese-adapted writer, poet, and sugar industry executive.
McDonald was described by the minister as more than a literary icon, highlighting his broader contribution to Guyana’s cultural life and the lasting memories he created through his work and public service.