J'can writers contribute to Haiti book project

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

A number of Jamaican writers have contributed to A Lime Jewel, an anthology of poems and short stories in aid of Haiti. The book, published by London Meetup Group, was launched on October 26.

In a release, the London Meetup Group said when the devastating earthquake struck on January 12, 2010, "the small unknown group promised its continued support for Haiti after the cameras were gone, and boldly pledged £10,000 to the Lambi Fund of Haiti. The proceeds from the sales of A Lime Jewel will go to that pledge."

"London Meetup Group has punched above its weight and successfully garnered international support from writers such as Nadifa Mohammed, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Simon Murray, Ann-Margaret Lim, Christine-Jean Blain, Fitzroy Cole, Nash Colundalur, Kamaria Muntu, Tolu Ogunlesi, Lloyd Palmer, Lane Ashfeldt, Geoffrey Philp and many others to contribute material for the book publication in aid of Haiti," the release continued.

A Lime Jewel also includes work by persons from Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Ghana and Germany, with the bulk of the contributions coming from the United Kingdom and United States.

The Jamaican contributors are Lloyd 'Akinsanya' Palmer, Fitzroy Cole, Opal Minott, Ann-Margaret Lim and Geoffrey Philp. Palmer told The Sunday Gleaner the Jamaican writers who have contributed to A Lime Jewel hope to host a Jamaican launch.

Palmer said he found out about the call for contributions to A Lime Jewel online through the Puma Creative. "I just said it was something I wanted to get involved in - it is for Haiti," he said.

He contributed the poems 'Sankofa' and 'Blackology II'. The poems are not specifically about Haiti. Palmer said he has written a piece about Haiti but did not submit it. Palmer's contributions to A Lime Jewel are his first published work and, he said "it is an accomplishment for I".

In 'Sankofa' he writes:

"Can together I people heed the ancestors' call

Wait not till our backs are against the wall".

And 'Blackology II' states "black is my philosophy".

The London Meetup Group release ends: "Contributors range from unpublished to published writers, between 10 and 75 years of age, and from all walks of life. They are all bound by their desire to contribute in a meaningful way to the rehabilitation of Haiti. There is something for everyone in this anthology."