Curmiah: The transition was painful!! I had far I branch, but I’m still rooted. I guess, because of
been to the UK before, but for summer this it felt so right when I finally decided to share my
vacations, and I always saw it as just that. I work with the worldwide web proclaiming just how
would have summer fun with my cousins over proud I am to be a Saint Lucian. You always find the
here and then return to the wonderful life I underlying themes of identity/belonging in much of
had home. So knowing that I wasn’t returning, my poetry.
and with no idea when I would return…I think I
can honestly say I experienced heartbreak at The years I spent from primary into secondary
aged 9. It was difficult adjusting; my schooling here were the years I recall really starting
classmates found it difficult to understand me to write. I wrote to express myself, to vent, find my
when I spoke. I went through the ‘changing voice. Both home and here, I’ve always been active
voice’ phase…battled with that for the in the arts – steel pans, dance, choir…I was always
longest. I always had my mom on my back participating in programs/clubs/productions. I
telling me to ‘speak properly’, meaning stop studied English with Performing Arts both at A-level
trying to sound British. Naturally, spending and degree level, and continue to train to hone my
most of my life here, it’s something I did pick crafts.
up, but also always held on tight to my St
Lucian accent. Journeys home from school
with my friends were always amusing when my
phone would ring, and the Lucian would come
out strong; the look on their faces was always
comical. Overall growing here wasn’t the
easiest, but not the worst; it shaped me into
who I am now. (smiling)
Lovee: Adjusting to the differences in
cultures can often be a great challenge,
especially for children. But, it’s admirable
that you’ve maintained your sense of
identity and culture, despite being away
for many years. How has both countries
contributed to your creativity and talents?
Lovee: I think this is what I appreciate the most
about you and your work; your love and passion
for your homeland. You are extremely talented.
A poet, singer, dancer, model, writer, and who
knows what else…(laughing out loud)… and you
seem to excel in each area. As a child, did you
display such talents?
Curmiah: (laughing out loud) And actor…I sang a lot
when I was younger, not so much anymore. My father
is a musician, uncle a singer; I come from a very
musical family. There was even a family band way
back. When I moved here, my cousin and I would
spend afternoons writing songs and putting on mini
concerts for the family. (laughing out loud) Our
songs always seemed to have content that related
Curmiah: I’ve developed a voice that merges to global/social issues; we were aged 10, writing
countries…transatlantic you could say, both songs about giving to the homeless. I also took part
literally and figuratively. For some reason in my first pageant when I was about five, a pre-
(probably the influence of my mother) I’ve school pageant.
never identified myself as being British. I
suspect had I not had that grounding I Before leaving secondary school we did “Most Likely
would’ve succumbed to my battle with To…” class predictions. My classmates predicted me
conformity. Thankful for that grounding! most likely to release a hit single and become a
Having that is what enabled me to accept and supermodel. (laughing out loud).
embrace change without fearing it. I think of
it like the growth of a plant/tree; knowing
that there are no limits to my growth or how