The National Authors’ Week, presented under the Ah Head Mek Book Initiative in collaboration with the National Public Library, concludes tonight with a recreational closing event hosted at Sun City Bar & Restaurant.
The themed karaoke gathering, titled “CHILLAX,” provides a relaxed social setting for authors, creatives, and members of the public to celebrate a productive and engaging week of literary activities.
Organizer and facilitator Peetron Thomas reported that the week was highly successful, with over 30 participants actively engaged in workshops and sessions.
“We had authors, pastors, aspiring authors, adults, an aspiring teacher who wants to be an author, and aspiring librarians interested in writing,” Thomas said.
“There were a lot of students, especially from various secondary schools across the country. They were fully engaged in the activities.”
Thomas emphasized the broader vision of the initiative: “I’m happy to see the development within our country. As our motto says, we want to be a nation of storytellers.
Our aim is to see over 100 authors by 2026.
New and established authors are producing books because we live in an evolving world. Writings should not just be for writing’s sake, but to leave a legacy. God has gifted us with expression, and you don’t have to be the brightest scholar to be an author.
Express your thoughts, your stories, your feelings, your dreams, your concerns, and let your writings come alive. Let me and my team establish you as you become an established author.
Because, as our colloquial dialect says, A-head-Mek-book.”
One of the highlights from the week is the Collaborative Youth Publishing Project, which will result in a book release.
Participants include representatives from Antigua Grammar School, Antigua Girls’ High School, Princess Margaret School, and the Seventh-Day Adventist Secondary School.
A student from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus will also assist, contributing to proofreading and other aspects of the book.
Thomas shared that the team is excited about the project and more information will be provided in the near future.
Tonight’s “CHILLAX” event features entertainment by Peetron Thomas and DJ Ni, with admission free.
Guests can enjoy $10 beer specials, $5 shots, very affordable menu items, and special giveaways courtesy of Sun City Bar & Restaurant.
All singers are invited to come up and perform, as there will be special prizes awarded for outstanding performances.
Chillax is designed as an end-of-month celebration vibe, and Sun City Bar & Restaurant plans to host it every last Saturday of the month, offering entertainment, karaoke, hookah service, games, and a lively social atmosphere for all attendees.
Tonight, guests can experience the fun for the first time while celebrating the week’s accomplishments.
Further details on the youth collaborative publication and other initiatives under the Ah Head Mek Book Initiative will be shared in a future update.
