MARIGOT/GREAT BAY, St. Martin: St. Martin poet Safiyya Chance returned home on November 8 from Tortola, where she participated as an invited writer in the BVI Literary Arts Festival, November 5–8, 2026, said her publisher, Jacqueline Sample, president of House of
Nehesi Publishers. The Native Choir author was a panelist in the “Say It: Poetry & Voice” discussion on November 6. On November 7, she also performed her poetry, including a new piece titled “Waatating,” which prompted audience members to shout and applaud at the poem’s conclusion during the “Light a Fire: Poets’ Showcase,” said Sample. Chance also served as one of four judges for the Stingray Poetry Slam, an annual competition organized by H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The Virgin Islands lit fest incorporated the competition into its literary program, promoting the event with the message: “Give young people a pen, a mic and a stage... and listen to what jumps out.” The slam winners were Roelle Baird (first place), Niaeika Aymer (second place), and Amber Hastings (third place).
Nearly 50 acclaimed and emerging writers, editors, and artists from the Virgin Islands, across the Caribbean, and beyond participated in the 2026 festival, held under the theme “Mouth Open, Story Jump Out.” Among them were Diana McCaulay, Etaf Rum, Claire Adam, Anthony Joseph, Ingrid Persaud, Richard Georges, Lilliam Rivera, Tiphanie Yanique, Chris Jackson, and Monéa.
St. Martin poet and blogger Safiyya Chance congratulates contestants at the Stingray Poetry Slam competition during the BVI Literary Arts Festival 2026. (Photo courtesy HLSCC)
Guest authors at the BVI Literary Arts Festival 2026 in Tortola. L-R: Claire Adam, novelist (England/ Trinidad and Tobago); Karen Lord, science fiction novelist (Barbados); Safiyya Chance, poet and blogger St. Martin); and Tiphanie Yanique, novelist (Virgin Islands, USVI/BVI). © Photo courtesy of Diana McCaulay, novelist (Jamaica).
