The presentation of the new and first books by Curaçao writers Elvira Bonafacio and Tyson Hill took not place, as announced previously, in the Curaçaohuis but in Filmhuis Den Haag, Studio A.

Hosted by moderator Jennifer Muntslag, they spoke about their books, and the island's storytelling culture. The book presentation during the Writers Unlimited International Literature Festival The Hague was organised in cooperation with Wintertuin, the Nijmegen-based literary organisation that publishes their books.

Tyson Hill first bilingual poetry collection is titled Siga ku glas di awa / Sigaar met een glas water (Cigar with a glass of water), in Papiamentu and Dutch. Tyson takes you on a journey through his deepest thoughts: through inner silences, fiery doubts and sharp observations of his home, 'mi dushi Kòrsou'. Just as a good cigar slowly unfolds in layers of flavour, so these poems unfold as you read them. And just when it seems to be getting too heavy, there is a glass of water: clear, calm, refreshing.

Elvira Bonefacio made her debut with a children's book. This bilingual work (also in Papiamentu and Dutch) is titled Yen'i brio / Met pit (With spirit) and is suitable for children between the ages of 10 and 12. The home of Grandpa Antoine and Grandma Yayachi is the meeting place for their grandchildren. Every time they get together, they share stories with each other, which creates space to grow together and learn from each other. The story collection encourages children to read for themselves and contributes to the sharing of stories in the broadest sense of the word.

Elvira Bonafacio is a Papiamentu teacher and writer, with a passion for language and stories to shape identity and connection. Drawing on her own teaching practice, she develops learning resources that stimulate creativity and help people of all ages find their voice. Elvira is co-author of a language method for primary education and is now exploring storytelling as a bridge between learning, self-expression and rediscovery.

Tyson Hill is a writer and performer. He grew up with a passion for writing and literature. After studying in the Netherlands, he returned to Curaçao and rediscovered his passion for literature in his native language, Papiamentu. Creative writing helped him to shape his identity.

Jennifer Muntslag is an event host and interviewer also known as JNM the Naked MC. She is a born performer who has known since childhood that she feels at home in the spotlight. Her moderation jobs vary from a weekly late-night talk show at Amsterdam's Pakhuis de Zwijger, and hosting during among others Oerol, Kunstbende, Amsterdam Roots Festival, vlogging for Shot of Culture, conferences and Spoken Word events to club nights at Paradiso, and festivals at home and abroad.


From 22 to 25 January 2026, Writers Unlimited International Literature Festival The Hague was to be found in theatres, libraries and schools throughout the city: from Theater aan het Spui, Filmhuis Den Haag, GR8 to Theater Dakota, Curaçaohuis, the Laakkwartier, Nieuw Waldeck, Schilderswijk and Ypenburg libraries, the Institute of Social Studies and De Haagse Hogeschool. With over 100 writers, poets, spoken-word artists and musicians from the Netherlands and abroad. With readings, prose, poetry, storytelling, spoken word, author interviews, topical talks, films and music.