Caribbean Beat — March/April 2020 (#162)

need to know
Jordan V.P. Martis, one of the 2019 Arte di Palabra
winners
How did you become involved with
Arte di Palabra?
I decided to help as an extracurricular activity
linked to my studies. I went once, loved it,
and remained so fascinated by the effect it
has on the youngsters who participate that
till this day, I have remained a part of the
organisation.
Papiamentu is also spoken in Aruba
and Bonaire. Does Arte di Palabra
encompass these islands?
Yes, and after the contest on each island,
we have Arte di Palabra ABC — a final
competition between the three islands. This
year it will be in Bonaire. One of last year’s
highlights was an invitation to present at
Carifesta [in Trinidad and Tobago], so besides
Arte di Palabra on the ABC islands, we
crossed the border!
Courtesy Arte di Palabra
The Read
Papiamentu’s young
voices
Although Papiamentu is the most widely spoken language in Curaçao, it
became a compulsory subject in secondary schools only twenty years ago.
To mark this milestone, Ange Jessurun approached other Papiamentu
teachers to create a literary event celebrating the inclusion of the
mother tongue in the education system. The result was the annual Arte
di Palabra competition (running this year from 14 March to 4 April), in
which students in two age groups write and perform original pieces, vying
for national titles. Elvira Bonafacio — a Papiamentu teacher and current
competition co-ordinator — tells Shelly-Ann Inniss what it’s all about.
What literary genres does the
competition explore?
It covers short stories and poetry. Junior high
participants have the option of presenting
an original or existing piece for each genre,
whereas seniors can do an original piece in
both genres.
What’s been the impact on
participants?
The impact is immeasurable. Each
presentation allows the participants to
overcome their insecurities, fears, any other
inhibitions, and grow into a writer and artist.
They get more appreciation for literature,
and their feeling of patriotism flourishes.
Writing and performing serve as therapy to
free their emotions.
Does Arte di Palabra extend beyond
the competition?
Every five years, we publish a collection of
the winning pieces in a book called Pòtpurí.
High schools on the three islands receive
a free package, thanks to the sponsors,
which can be used in class. You can imagine
the pride this inspires, since it is written by
the youngsters themselves. Additionally,
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