Virgin Islands poet Anika Christopher has been chosen to represent the territory at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Ms. Christopher’s selection by the event’s organisers has made the VI one of only five Commonwealth countries and territories to be included in a creative arts programme at the games, according to Government Information Services.
The programme — which is being managed by the Birmingham-based consulting agency Beatfreeks — is designed to develop and celebrate young creatives around the Commonwealth.
The agency will work with each artist and document their day-to-day work, sharing stories over social media and ultimately producing a larger storytelling piece such as a documentary. The arts programme lasts from Feb. 17 to May 17, according to GIS.
Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said he was pleased to hear of the selection of Ms. Christopher, who will also participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay here in early May.
The poet also recently received another honour alongside Rochelle Smith, the head of the Humanities, Social Sciences and Communication Department at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
Both women have been selected to participate in a five-day residency for children’s book writers and illustrators in Gibraltar from May 23-27, according to GIS.