Tuesday saw the advent of "Open Mic Poetry Night" at the Upscale Guyana Restaurant. The brainchild of proprietor Asafa George, it is billed to be a weekly event providing aspiring and published writers with a forum to showcase their talents.

This premiere event was hosted by Al Creighton and halfway through there was standing room only. Roopnandan Singh, who helped co ordinate the event, was one of the contributors. Those participating included Petamber Persaud, Russell Lancaster, Haslyn Parris, the Executive Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Ms Indira Anandjit, the mother and daughter combination of Joan and Joanne Collins, along with the past and current presidents of the Janus writers' guild.

George said that because of the location it was a challenge to attract the kind of patrons he wanted, but the response generated provided "immediate vindication" for all his hard work. he said his aim was to "promote culture, strive for excellence in poetry and provide entertainment", while providing an atmosphere for all to be "at home and yet escape the everyday and experience the best in an upbeat, contemporary ambience". He also noted that patrons had nothing to fear because he was providing security for their vehicles right up to Robb street.

The next session is due on Tuesday coming at 7.00 pm.