Yes it is true. I have joined the list of storytellers for this year’s Gimistory.

The press release from the Cayman National Cultural Foundation says:

“This year’s Gimistory will feature seasoned international tellers such as Ken Corsbie, Amina Blackwood-Meeks, Mighty Gabby, Edgar Ortiz, Lord Relator and Blacksage – alongside local tellers such as Dexter Bodden, Matt Brown, Jevaughnie Ebanks, Priscilla Pouchie, and for the first time, Martin Keeley and ….. Colin Wilson.

Did you hear the drums roll?

Nah. I didn’t either.

“Gimistory, began in 1998 and is acclaimed by many who have attended storytelling festivals in North America, the UK and elsewhere, as being among the best in the world. Audiences fill the picturesque venues – beaches, backyards and parks – to enjoy this annual festival which has become the official start of Cayman’s “winter” season”. – CNCF

At this late time in my life why am I doing this?

Why not? I may not be around much longer and this is something I have never done before. I love telling stories. Every time I went to Seattle, Washington, as a guest of the Seattle Seafair Pirates, I had to tell a story at their Davy Jones Banquet. You see I am an honourary Davy Jones in their historic club. Something I am very proud of.

And at Gimistory I can actually get to do this in my adopted country.

The artists I am performing with are very talented.

I am very humbled to be a member of them.

And what story am I going to tell?

Not gonna tell ya.

Ya’ll have to come out and see.

And next year why not come and join us as a storyteller?

It is educational, too and that is why, in addition to all the evening venues, we visit a lot of the local schools. And there are some young adult storytellers, too.

From storyarts.org

Why Storytelling?

Educators have long known that the arts can contribute to student academic success and emotional wellbeing. The ancient art of storytelling is especially well-suited for student exploration. As a folk art, storytelling is accessible to all ages and abilities. No special equipment beyond the imagination and the power of listening and speaking is needed to create artistic images. As a learning tool, storytelling can encourage students to explore their unique expressiveness and can heighten a student’s ability to communicate thoughts and feelings in an articulate, lucid manner. These benefits transcend the art experience to support daily life skills. In our fast-paced, media-driven world, storytelling can be a nurturing way to remind children that their spoken words are powerful, that listening is important, and that clear communication between people is an art.

More Reasons…

Gaining Verbal Skills

Becoming verbally proficient can contribute to a student’s ability to resolve interpersonal conflict nonviolently. Negotiation, discussion, and tact are peacemaking skills. Being able to lucidly express one’s thoughts and feelings is important for a child’s safety. Clear communication is the first step to being able to ask for help when it is needed.

Imagination

Both telling a story and listening to a well-told tale encourages students to use their imaginations. Developing the imagination can empower students to consider new and inventive ideas. Developing the imagination can contribute to self-confidence and personal motivation as students envision themselves competent and able to accomplish their hopes and dreams.

Passing On Wisdom

Storytelling based on traditional folktales is a gentle way to guide young people toward constructive personal values by presenting imaginative situations in which the outcome of both wise and unwise actions and decisions can be seen.

SOURCE: http://www.storyarts.org/classroom/

There. Some of my wisdom is going to be passed down to Cayman’s children.

Blimey. What a thought!!