Celebrated Caribbean writer Jan Carew, of Guyana, captivated a packed auditorium of writers and local dignitaries attending the second International Conference on Caribbean Literature at the Bermuda College on Wednesday night.

There was a feeling of euphoria at the official opening of both Professor Carew's address and at the mere fact that the conference was taking place.

Liaisons between the Bermuda College, Morehouse College and Purdue University have been established through this conference and look promising for the future.

Dr. Melvin Rhaming, representing the president of Morehouse College, noted that "serious discussions of possible linkages between these three institutions'' is taking place. And as proof of the dedication, he pointed out that a delegation of Morehouse students and faculty were attending the conference with him.

Professor Carew -- who was described by Bermudian writer Angela Barry as "one of those pioneers of Caribbean literature who redefined the Caribbean sensibility, giving it the place of distinction that it now enjoys on the world stage'' -- delivered a keynote address which sparked discussion for hours afterward.

Presenting thought-provoking factual insights into how the Caribbean writer developed, Professor Carew took the audience through what he called "the voids of the two holocausts''.

Known mainly as a novelist, Professor Carew is also a poet, playwright, actor, journalist, critic and historian. At 79 years old he is still active and vibrant and talks about what he will cover in his next book.

The Bermuda College boasted their success at being able to attract Professor Carew to the conference as he has affiliations and associations with an impressive array of major academic institutions across the globe, including Princeton, Harvard, Northwestern, Howard and Lincoln in the US, London University, the Sorbonne, Charles University in the Czech Republic, the University of Namibia, and St. Petersburg University.

Premier Jennifer Smith was on hand and officially opened the conference. She said Caribbean literature was not as well known as it should be.

"Unfortunately when one thinks of world literature, the Caribbean is probably not the first region that comes to mind,'' Ms Smith said. "Whether this is because of the relative smallness of its geographical area or lack of exposure to Caribbean literature or even centuries old prejudice, is not clear.

"What is clear is that any consideration of this genre that omits the rich offerings of the Caribbean is much the poorer.'' Noting that Bermudian writers were being showcased at the conference, Ms Smith noted: "We too have a literary tradition that must be recognised and promoted.'' Jan Carew