Geoffrey Philp Wins Literary Medals in Jamaica

MIAMI, November 7, 2007—The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission has awarded Geoffrey Philp, author of Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories, a Silver medal for his short story, “The Day Jesus Christ Came to Mount Airy,” and also two Silver and Bronze medals for his poems, “Letter from Marcus Garvey,” “Beyond Mountain View,” and “Warner Woman (For Edward Baugh).” The National Creative Writing Competition Awards Ceremony & Exhibition Opening, scheduled to begin at 6 pm, will be held at the Knutsford Court Hotel on Wednesday, November 7. The ceremony will also mark the official opening of an island wide exhibition tour to the thirteen parish libraries and features the medal winning pieces in the categories of poetry, short stories, plays, novels, and essays.

“I am deeply indebted to the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission,” said Philp, who will be appearing at the Miami Book Fair International on Saturday, November 11, 2007. “These awards mean a lot to me and I am honored to be a part of the literary tradition of Jamaica and the Caribbean.”

The JCDC National Creative Writing Competition encourages writers to sharpen their skills through the annual competition. Writers are invited to improve their craftsmanship and style, writing in Standard English or Jamaican Dialect. The Creative Writing Competition has spawned and celebrated many recognized professional writers in Jamaica including playwright Basil Dawkins whose 2005 gold medal winning entry “Hot Spot” has not only gone successfully to the stage locally, but has also toured internationally..

Geoffrey Philp is author of the children’s book, Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories, a novel, Benjamin, My Son, a collection of short stories, Uncle Obadiah and the Alien, and five poetry collections, including Exodus and Other Poems, Florida Bound, hurricane center, xango music, and Twelve Poems and A Story for Christmas. Geoffrey teaches English at Miami Dade College and is the chairperson of the College Prep. Department at the North Campus.

For more information, please contact:

Danielle Hopkins

Public Relations Coordinator, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission

The Public Relations Department

Tel: 926-8768/ 371-3423

http://www.jcdc.org.jm/index.php