The sun is shining, the waves are lapping against the shore, and the crowds are filing into a giant tent for the first sessions of the day at the Calabash International Literary Festival, on Jamaica’s low-key southern coast.
Private tents dot the beach behind the stage, where some festivalgoers have slept.
Jamaica’s poet laureate, Olive Senior, stops to embrace old friends at the entrance to the grounds, making plans to catch up soon.
Meanwhile, busloads arrive from the capital and other points across the island.
By 10 a.m. more than a thousand people have filled the seats, gazing out at what might be the world’s most breathtaking stage, framed by ocean and blue sky.
Persons:
Olive, busloads, Margaret Busby, ”, Linton Kwesi Johnson
Organizations:
Olive Senior
Locations:
British, Africa