The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, participated in a celebration event hosted by the Corporation of St George's in recognition of World Poetry Day 2024.
Held every year on 21 March, World Poetry Day celebrates one of humanity's most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity. It aims to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression.
The Corporation of St George’s invited students from East End Primary, St George's Prep, and St. David’s Primary to share spoken word, poetry and music at the UNESCO World Heritage Town of St George.
“As we gather in King’s Square, we are reminded that poetry lives beyond the pages; it thrives in the music we hear, the dances we watch, and the paintings we admire,” said Minister Rabain, “Poetry is a powerful vessel of expression, a bridge connecting the sonnet to the song, the stanza, and the street art. On this World Poetry Day, we are not just observers but active participants. We encourage all our students throughout the island to find their voice and embrace the courage to speak, write, and share. Let your verses be as vivid as the colours of Bermuda and as moving as the waves that kiss our shores.”
Minister Rabain ended his remarks by reciting a poem by celebrated Bermudian teacher, songwriter, and musician Ms. Persis Butler.
Minister concluded, “What better way to celebrate than by reciting words that resonate with the spirit of Bermuda? Let me share with you a verse from,
Ms. Persis Butler’s ‘A Beautiful, Bermudaful Day’:
It’s a beautiful, Bermudaful day
And everything’s going my way
I’ve got to sing my song and clap my hands
Just celebrate this wonderful day
I’ve got to sing my song and clap my hands
Just to celebrate this wonderful day.