FLORIDA, USA – Award-winning Jamaican author, Colleen Wint Bond, will join 23 other exceptional writers and filmmakers at the Jamaica Brew Festival, set to take place on January 18 at the Miramar Cultural Centre in Broward County, Florida.

This prestigious event, an initiative of the Jamaican Consulate in Miami, serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing the talents of Jamaican creatives from the island and the diaspora.

Wint-Bond will present Arthur Loves To Run, the first in her “Arthur” series during the festival as well as introduce Arthur Loves to Fly, the much-anticipated sequel to Arthur Loves to Run.

“I am humbled to be among such distinguished writers and filmmakers,” she remarked.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to share my work, celebrate Jamaican storytelling and of course, honour the rich legacy of Arthur Wint.”

Arthur Loves to Run, for children aged four and up, explores the early life of Arthur Wint as a young Jamaican boy who loves running. The story follows his journey from playful races with friends to representing his schools and ultimately Jamaica at the Olympics, where he won the country’s first gold medal in the 400-metre race. Illustrated by Patrick Meikle, Arthur Loves to Run captures the fun of childhood and imparts valuable lessons about perseverance and sportsmanship.

Arthur Loves to Fly is an engaging story that introduces Arthur, as a young boy who dreams of flying. Highlighting his career as a World War 2 pilot, the book incorporates geographical themes as Arthur and his friends imaginatively “fly” around the world and is based on true experiences where he exemplified excellence and resilience in the face of sudden challenges.

“Both books spark imagination and bring joy to young readers,” said Wint Bond, who is also the daughter of Arthur Wint.

Wint Bond is also celebrated for her earlier works, including her debut book Celebrating Me (2014).

This humorous and tender story about four young girls navigating puberty combines a compelling narrative with essential information for young readers.

Illustrated by Jamaican artist Rachel Moss, Celebrating Me is aimed at children aged 8-13 with a Grade 5 reading level.

In 2020, she followed up with Summer, Celebrations & Secrets (2020), a captivating tale for older children and young teens that brings valuable lessons about trust, honesty and respect with the original characters meeting some indigenous boys. The story brushes on issues of child labour and trafficking but culminates with the importance of family and the cultural value of community.

Joining Wint Bond at the Jamaica Brew Festival are literary and cinematic luminaries such as Dr Julius Garvey, Michael Brown, Judith Fallon Reid, Kei Miller, Kwame McPherson, Susan Lycett Davis, Malachi Smith, Dr Aza Weir-Soley, Geoffrey Philp, and many more.

The festival promises an eclectic mix of readings, presentations, and discussions celebrating the richness of Jamaican culture and creativity.

The Jamaica Brew Festival underscores the importance of storytelling as a cultural bridge, uniting Jamaicans across generations and geographies. It highlights the enduring legacy of the island’s artistic and literary traditions while fostering connections within the global Jamaican community.