Children’s literature takes center stage in St.Kitts this Sunday, young, Caribbean author, Coryn Anaya Clarke hosts the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival.

This landmark event, created by the young author and literacy advocate, will gather children, families, educators, and authors under the theme: “The Power of Us: Stories by Us, For Us.”The festival is proudly supported by First Federal Co-operative Credit Union as its official title sponsor. This partnership underscores the institution’s commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and literacy.

Executive Leader Member Services, Mrs. Sonja Fyfield-Hazel, shared her enthusiasm for the festival, saying, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mandate to empower youth by showing them that true financial wealth is built on consistent habits formed from an early age. Our goal is to encourage children to develop smart money practices that lay the foundation for lifelong success. A festival that brings together children and parents in a fun yet educational environment creates the ideal launchpad for raising financially confident, and successful individuals.”

This year’s festival will feature dynamic voices from across the Caribbean, including celebrated Guyanese-Canadian author Yolanda T. Marshall and Grenadian author Alyssa Bierzynski.“Earlier this year, I set a goal for myself to share my book, Good Boy Milo, with children across the region,” said Bierzynski. “I am truly excited that it is happening and to be part of the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival. Book festivals, like this one, are celebrations of storytelling and play an important role in promoting literacy and encouraging a love of books and reading among children, especially in this digital era. This will also be my first visit to St. Kitts, so I am looking forward to meeting all the young, and young at heart, readers,” she added.

Marshall, whose work has been recognized internationally for its cultural richness and authentic storytelling, noted the importance of amplifying diverse narratives. “I’m so excited to be reading, hearing stories from other authors, meeting everyone, and most of all performing alongside Coryn at the Chronicles of Coryn: Children’s Book Festival. We will dance, sing, play Soca, and have a literary fete. Be prepared to hear my stories like C is for Carnival. Bring your rags, bring your flags, and get ready to wave,” she said enthusiastically.

The one-day celebration will feature live readings and author meet-and-greets with Coryn, Yolanda, Alyssa, and other guest authors, in addition to cultural performances and interactive displays showcasing the vibrancy of the Caribbean. There will also be book signings, giveaways, and family activities designed to make reading fun and engaging.

Fresh off her success at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, the young prodigy is now counting down to the first staging of her event in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Her standout participation at the regional cultural showcase not only highlighted her growing talent as an author but also positioned her as a vibrant ambassador for Saint Kitts and Nevis. With her storytelling, charm and natural confidence, Coryn captivated audiences.

“Stories have a special kind of magic, they can make you dream, laugh, and even see yourself in new ways. I’m super excited to share that magic at the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival and to show other children in Saint Kitts and Nevis  that their voices and stories matter too. Having our guest authors from Guyana and Grenada is BIG deal, I hope all of you come on out to hear everything they have to say. It’ll be fun, I promise!” said the youngster.

The Caribbean will be on full display internationally, later tonight – this as the Caribbean Music Awards airs on US television network, BET at 8pm. The Caribbean Music Awards took place at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York on August 28th, marking its third year.

Caribbean celebrities on full display, the event’s red carpet experience saw various media outlets interact with entertainers and socialites from various islands. A special highlight of the evening was the U.S. debut of Tottenham-born DJ AG, known for transforming the streets of London and other UK cities into vibrant musical venues. He brought his culturally rich open-format DJ sets to Brooklyn in celebration of the awards, with a special activation powered by Amazon Music.

From August 29th to September 1st, DJ AG traveled around New York City and illuminated various inner-city neighborhoods across four boroughs. His DJ sets brought the community together seamlessly, creating a vibrant atmosphere without issue.

This initiative coincided with the West Indian Labor Day Parade, one of the biggest celebrations for Caribbean people, which attracts between 1 and 3 million attendees in Brooklyn, New York, annually. Among the notable artistes who participated in this DJ AG’s activation were Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Lady Lava, Konshens, Scar Lip, I-Octane, Kevin Lyttle, Armanii, Edwin Yearwood, Beniton, Nigy Boy, London Hill, Faith Calendar, Lady G, Lady Ann, Trilla G, Ravyon,Lead Pipe, Hood Celebrity, Wayne Wonder, Mr. Easy, Rome Streetz, Saddis, and Renee Neufville of Zhane.

Expressing his excitement about the overall experience at the Caribbean Music Awards, DJ AG said, “It’s my first time streaming on a red carpet, so to make that debut at the Caribbean Music Awards was truly special. Caribbean music has shaped so much of my identity, and to champion it on a stage this big is an incredible honour. I was excited to bring a touch of London energy to the streets of New York and truly grateful to the awards for inviting me to be part of this moment and to celebrate a culture that continues to inspire the world.”

Alongside the electrifying DJ AG, the red carpet dazzled with renowned figures, including the host for the night, Majah Hype, as well as honorees Busta Rhymes, Sizzla, Austin ‘Superblue’ Lyons, Kerwin Du Bois, and Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers. Previously announced performers, who also made their presence known, were Ding Dong, Full Blown, Lady Lava, Lila Iké, Maureen and Romain Virgo. Present nominees included Amanda Reifer, Anika Berry, Armanii, Buju Banton, D’Yani, Dexta Daps,Konshens, Nailah Blackman, Patrice Roberts, Rajah Wild, Ras-I, Skinny Fabulous, Spice and others. 

Special guests featured Elephant Man, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Alison Hinds,Mya, Jessie Woo, Naomi Cowan, Nicolas Nuvan, Serani, Shaneil Muir, DJ Puffy, Donnell Rawlings, London Hill, Ayetian, and more, including Chelly Bissainthe from Love Island USA (Season 7), who served as the official co-host for Billboard’s live stream of the Caribbean Music Awards Red Carpet.