PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Castries, January 20, 2025– The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is proud to host the highly anticipated 2025 Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture, a tribute to the life and literary legacy of one of Saint Lucia’s most celebrated icons and Nobel Laureate Winner for Literature.
This year’s lecture, titled “Portrait of the Prodigal in Autumn,” will be delivered by esteemed poet and lecturer Ishion Hutchinson. The event is set to take place on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Finance Administrative Centre, Seraphine, beginning at 7:30 PM.
Ishion Hutchinson is an internationally acclaimed poet whose works have garnered widespread recognition for their lyrical depth and exploration of cultural and historical themes. His engagement with Derek Walcott’s literary legacy stems from a profound appreciation of the poet’s influence on Caribbean and global literature.
In his presentation, Mr. Hutchinson will delve into the recurring theme of autumn in Derek Walcott’s poetry. This motif, rich with symbolism, reflects Walcott’s deep connections to and separations from his cultural landscape. Exploring themes of grief, loss, and the complexity of human emotions, Hutchinson will provide a nuanced understanding of autumn as it appears in Walcott’s works—a metaphorical “negative capability” that demands continual reinterpretation.
Through a combination of close critical readings and personal anecdotes of his experiences with Walcott at home and abroad, Hutchinson’s lecture promises an intimate and insightful exploration of the Nobel laureate’s imagination and artistry.
The Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture remains a one of the cornerstones of the Cultural Development Foundation’s programming, celebrating the enduring impact of Walcott’s contributions to literature and the arts. Admission is free, and all are invited to attend this memorable evening of literary reflection and inspiration.
About the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF):
The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is dedicated to aligning the aspirations of cultural and creative individuals, groups, communities, policymakers, and civil society towards a collective vision for growth. Guided by the National Cultural Policy of Saint Lucia, the CDF celebrates cultural heritage, nurtures artistic expression, and fosters innovation across all forms of creative endeavour.
Through initiatives and projects such as Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture Series the CDF fosters artistic excellence and cultural exchange, contributing to the island’s reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation.