Literary legend and cultural icon Paul Keens-Douglas captivated a new generation of storytellers at CARIFESTA XV with his transformative workshop, Vibrant Roots Storytelling Workshop, held on Tuesday, 26 August at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre.
With a legacy spanning decades and works such as Tim Tim: The Dialect Poetry of Paul Keens-Douglas (1976) and Tanti At De Oval: Selected Works, Vol. 1 (1992), Keens-Douglas brought more than just technique; he brought heart, heritage, and a call to action.
Addressing over thirty emerging writers, the celebrated author shared his philosophy on Caribbean storytelling and the innate gifts that lie within the Region’s people.
“Caribbean people are natural storytellers. We already have the gifts,” he affirmed. “But we do not define them as such because it is natural to us. So after all these years of telling stories, I would like to tell people how you can go about developing your own [writing] styles.”
Keens-Douglas encouraged participants to trust their instincts and embrace their voices, rather than waiting for formal instruction.
“When I started writing, I didn’t know there were techniques; they were just natural to me. So, I thought a workshop that would bring out these kinds of things – these natural definitions that we do not have terminology for – would be helpful to young authors.”
Beyond the workshop, the author emphasised the power of CARIFESTA as a hub for artistic connection and collaboration.
“The [artists] all stayed in the same place, so we were able to mix. We need a central place where we can hang out and meet artists.”
Keens-Douglas’s presence at CARIFESTA XV was more than a masterclass; it was a moment of cultural affirmation, reminding Caribbean creatives that their stories are not only valid but vital.
Further reflections on his storied career and enduring impact are available below.
