Ever since the Caribbean Compass was founded in 1995, every three years or so we’ve asked our readers for their input via a Readers’ Survey published in print editions of the Compass. The results, thanks to your informed, intelligent and sometimes iconoclastic responses, have allowed us to increase “customer satisfaction” on an ongoing basis. You do a great job of plotting the waypoints that keep us on course! PEGGY FISCHER
Caribbean Book Festival in Trinidad J. Wynner reports: Mariners, if you love books, are avid readers, and especially if you are fans of Caribbean literature you’ll want to be in Trinidad from April 23rd through 27th for the annual book fair, the NGC Bocas Literary Festival. There will be four days of readings, poetry, performances, discussions, open mic, debates, bookselling, films, and events for children. All the events are open to the public and are free. Sponsored by the National Gas Company (NGC) of Trinidad & Tobago, the Bocas Literary Festival is named after the Bocas — the passageways situated at the northwestern tip of the island that sea voyagers sail through to get in and out of Trinidad. Boca is also the Spanish word for mouth: the organ of speech and song and storytelling. The NGC Bocas Lit Fest invites readers from around the world to enter through the Bocas and celebrate the rich literary heritage of Trinidad & Tobago and the wider Caribbean. This is a festival to plan for. Note it in your diary. For more information visit www.bocaslitfest.com. It’s Your Chance to Chime In! Once again, it’s your opportunity as a reader to tell those behind the Compass desk what you think, what you do, and what you want!
You’re invited! Participate in the Compass Readers’ Survey 2014 online. See also ad on page 31.
APRIL 2014
ANNA LANDRY
CARIBBEAN COMPASS
PAGE 6
This year, in our sixth Caribbean Compass Readers’ Survey, we are responding to an often-repeated special request: “We’d like to be able to complete future Compass Readers’ Surveys on line.” Your wish is our command, so rather than fussing with envelopes and stamps, you can participate in the 2014 Caribbean Compass Readers’ Survey now at http://freeonlinesurveys.com/s.asp?sid=xh3awys92i71yd9436758 or visit www.caribbeancompass.com Welcome Aboard! In this issue of Caribbean Compass, we welcome new advertiser SOL EC Ltd. fuel company of the Wider Caribbean, on page 29. Good to have you with us!