29/04/2026
Belize Book Sector Network (BBSN)
Book Week 2026
Literary Evening
April 23, 2026
World Book and Copyright Day
Mexican Cultural Institute
Belize City, Belize
The final activity by the BBSN for Book Week 2026 was the Literary Evening. Belize’s Chief Librarian, Ms. Lusiola Castillo, awarded the first place winner in the adult category, Ms. Jomarie Lanza, for her entry in the Belize National Library Service and Information System’s 90th Anniversary Poetry Competition. This was followed by the reading of a short story by the visiting Mexican author, Dr. Claudia Cabrera. Co-featured Belizean authors Ms. Brenda Herrera, Ms. Khaila Gentle and Mr. Wilford Felix, read or recited poems on various themes.
The audience enjoyed Kriol drumming and songs by Sankofa Kriol Cultural Heritage group during the interlude and at the end of the event.
During the open mic, Ms. Felene Cayetano (BBSN President) and Ms. Lanza read their poems from the Womxn in Art 2026 book. Mr. Devon Jones and Mr. NJah (last year’s co-featured poet at Book Week 2025) shared thought-provoking social commentary poems. As anticipated, it was a multilingual interdisciplinary cultural event.
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