UCCI confers on local culture

(CNS): The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) this week hosts a landmark cultural event on the college campus. The Conference on Caribbean Literature, Culture and Identity will be dealing with many of the questions and challenges facing Caymanian society from an academic perspective. Local and guest speakers as well as regional performers will deliver over 30 different presentations and panel discussions from topics as diverse as the Cayman Turtle Farm to homophobia in dancehall music. The conference opens with a cocktail reception sponsored by the national museum on Thursday evening at the Vassel Johnson Hall.

The Keynote address will be delivered by author and scholar, UWI’s Dr. Brian Meeks. The Minister for Culture, Mark Scotland will also offer remarks at the reception which will feature unique dramatic performances by the renowned Ken Corsbie accompanied by UCCI students. The UCCI Cayman National Steel Pan Band, Pandemix, will also be on hand to add their special blend of Caribbean rhythms to the evening.

The conference will also feature a Book Fair from local and international book vendors and publishers, as well as displays from local artists.

Day two of the conference, 12 March, will feature over 30 thought-provoking presentations and panel discussions. Topics ranging from– “A Distinctly Caymanian Experience - Cultural Tourism and Identity Politics in the Cayman Islands” by Director of the National Gallery, Mrs. Natalie Urquhart and “A New Opportunity and Approach to Conservation Education in the Cayman Islands” by Mr Geddes Hislop to “Calypso and Reggae and the Decline in Literacy and Learning” by Mr. Louieco Lewis of UCCI and “Perceptions of Caymanian Young People Concerning their Challenges and Opportunities” by Dr. Anthony White to name a few.

The conference registration is currently open and the fee is $25. Those who wish to attend one or two sessions are welcome to do so at no charge but, they are required to complete the registration form also. UCCI encourages the Cayman community to support the event  and extends special thanks to the following sponsors for their generous donations and invaluable support: The Cayman Islands National Museum, Cayman Airways, Government Information Services, The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, First Caribbean Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, HSBC, Pearson and Scholastic.