The University of the South Pacific in association with the Pacific Writing Forum and the University Book Centre presented Konai Helu Thaman, in the first of a series of Writers’ Evenings.
The Pacific’s premier poet Konai Thaman was recognized for almost four decades of writing, reading, publishing and teaching poetry. She is known to most Pacific islanders for the variety and simplicity of her poetry in its most lyrical form. “You, the Choice of My Parents” is one of her most well-known and popular poems.
The PWF/USP Book Centre Writers’ Evening featured an introduction and overview of Konai Thaman’s work by another Pacific poet Cresantia Frances Koya. This led to a retrospective reading of her works by Konai Thaman. The Tongan Students Association provided cultural items that related to Konai’s heritage and culture. The event was well attended with many old USP academics and friends of Thaman present.
