Authors, poets read under the trees at Botanic Gardens

2026-03-15 - 03:07

Under overcast skies and cool conditions, authors and poets gathered yesterday for a public literary event hosted by the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA) at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Scores of reading enthusiasts gathered under the trees to listen to readers who have gone through the ALTA programme, as well as established authors. Authors and poets were assigned specific trees within the gardens where they delivered readings throughout the afternoon. Some trees were designated for fictional stories, while others for non-fiction, and some for children’s books. The event featured multiple readings taking place at different locations across the gardens, and attendees moved between trees to listen to authors and poets present selections of their work. ALTA said the event is intended to provide a space for writers to share their work with the public while encouraging engagement with literature and creative expression. Among the established authors to attend included Richard Charan, who published The Village of One last year, Miranda Dookran, who specialises in children’s books and Katrina Khan-Roberts, who is famous for her impersonation of a mermaid in teaching about the ocean. Organisers said the use of trees as designated reading spots allowed several writers to present their work while visitors explored different areas of the gardens. The event formed part of ALTA’s ongoing efforts to promote literacy and creative writing in Trinidad and Tobago. —Ryan Bachoo