PHILIPSBURG:--- /MARIGOT, St. Martin:--- The 22nd Annual St. Martin Book Fair, taking place from June 5 to 7, 2025, will host a dynamic lineup of new writers, seasoned authors and scholars, workshop presenters, and at least six new books published in St. Martin this year, said literary festival coordinator Shujah Reiph.
Familiar book fair names like award-winning novelist Nicole Cage (Martinique) and children’s book author/publisher to US entertainment industry and NBA stars, Professor Heddrick McBride (USA), are returning to the Friendly Island—each bringing fresh titles for readers of all ages.
The roots linking orature and literature in the Caribbean is on the calendar with a thrilling extempo face-off on stage. Trinidad’s well-known kaisonian and former monarch, Pink Panther, will meet St. Martin’s own emperor, Kaiso Brat, to deliver this high art form of calypso.
“This could be a crowd-pulling face-off,” said Reiph, “and it is a major highlight of the Literary Evening and Main Book Launch on Friday, June 6, at the Poetry Garden of the Collectivity (government building) in Marigot.
The festival also shines a spotlight on emerging voices. First-time authors from St. Martin, such as Roseann Rumnit, and from Anguilla, such as children’s graphic novelist Serena Connor, are invited guests alongside writers, scholars, and presenters from Ghana/Puerto Rico, Marie-Galante, Jamaica, Mexico/UK, Cuba, and Guadeloupe.
The Opening Ceremony on Thursday, June 5, will feature author and noted professor of trauma studies, Caribbean literature, and women’s literature, Dr. Dannabang Kuwabong, delivering the keynote address titled “Redefining,” at the Belair Community Center in Cay Hill. Books published this year in St. Martin by authors from the Virgin Islands, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Ghana, and St. Martin will also be unveiled to festivalgoers.
All book fair activities are free and open to the public, including the Main Book Fair Day, which takes place on Saturday, June 7, at its traditional home—the University of St. Martin campus. “Expect a full day of book sales, workshops, open mic readings, the Presidents Forum, and master classes running non-stop,” said Reiph.
The lit fest will also collaborate with the 49th Annual Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) Conference, June 1 – 7, for the cultural showcase of St. Martin dance, music, and theater at the Ruby Bute Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery in Cripple Gate/Frairs Bay (not at the Marigot Waterfront as previously reported), on June 4, said CSA president Dr. Rhoda Arrindell.
“I can’t thank the St. Martin Book Fair Committee enough, along with the CSA, our sponsors and venue managers for their time, partnership, and generosity. In 2025, the people of St. Martin deserve the very best ‘book fair for the entire family,’” said Reiph.
Stay connected via the St. Martin Book Fair Facebook page, the island’s media, SOS Radio 95.9 FM, or contact Shujah Reiph directly for updates at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or WhatsApp +590 690 30-7366.
