Bocas del Toro Students and Community Pay Tribute to Hometown Hero and Literary Icon Guillermo Sánchez Borbón (Tristán Solarte)

On June 26, Rogelio Josué Ibarra High School was filled with warmth and joy as the community gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Guillermo Sánchez Borbón, fondly referred to as Tristán Solarte (his literary pseudonym). Friends, family, school and community leaders, and students came together to honor the incredible life and contributions of this beloved literary figure.

That radiant Caribbean morning on Isla Colón welcomed a gentle breeze that danced through the tablecloths and stage curtains as soft instrumental music floated in the air. The usual sounds of construction fell silent, giving way to tranquility. The school’s outdoor gymnasium transformed into a lively gathering space, with chairs arranged for guests and students. Excitement filled the air, a reflection of the hard work that had gone into organizing this meaningful celebration.

The stage was a visual delight, meticulously decorated to dramatize scenes from Solarte’s iconic book, El Ahogado. A replica of the Bocas cemetery, rum and cigarette props, and even a deathbed were part of the elaborate setup. Surrounding the stage were five small student-created displays featuring photos and information about the Poet, along with a larger one that read “Remembering Our Great Writer” and contained  quotes, including one from Solarte’s epic poem “Aproximación Poética a la Muerte.”

The program was rich with diverse activities that beautifully paid tribute to Sánchez Borbón. The event kicked off with an in-depth presentation by author, historian, and cultural activist Ariel Pérez Price, who delved into Sánchez Borbón’s life and legacy. He referred to the Poet as a “hero” who vividly captured the essence of Bocas del Toro in his work. Pérez read passages from El Ahogado, connecting the protagonist Rafael, a 17-year-old poet, to the present-day students, and emphasizing the concept of the “precocious poet.” He highlighted that youth are not exempt from genius and that, for teenagers, the possibilities for creativity and impact are boundless.

Pérez also shed light on the origins of the Poet’s pseudonym, “Tristán Solarte,” explaining that it is a blend of “Isla Solarte,” a prominent island in the Poet’s home archipelago, and “Tristán,” the hero from Richard Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde.” This pseudonym underscores the universal themes in Solarte’s work, including but also transcending the local setting to touch on broader human experiences such as life, death, and artistic expression.

Pérez elaborated on the Poet’s fixation with death, noting that Sánchez Borbón’s life was profoundly impacted at an early age by losing his mother at 12 and his father at 15. These experiences deeply influenced his views on life and death. Perez highlighted the fact that Bocas was Sanchez Borbon’s primary muse and discussed how his work paints enduring images of his beloved island home.

Ariel Pérez Price

Josh Whitlock, who helped to envision and organize the event, working closely with school leaders and the Poet’s close family and friends, also shared brief but moving words. A poet himself, Whitlock heaped praise on Solarte’s “world-class” poetry “His style, his themes, his creativity, his talent, and his overall quality are of the very highest level.” He then challenged the students to embrace poetry and to see the world through a poetic lens. “Life is poetry, everything is poetry,” he said, encouraging students to perceive and appreciate the poetic magic in everyday life. Finally, Whitlock expressed his belief that among the present students were the next great Bocatoreño writers, inspiring them to pursue their creative passions.

The Poet’s niece, Dianelsa Sánchez de Barrios, then offered touching words of gratitude from the family. She emphasized the significance of holding the event at Rogelio Josué Ibarra High School, a place integral to the education of the youth of Bocas del Toro, which Sánchez Borbón cherished deeply. Dianelsa reflected on what her uncle might have said at such an event, imagining his humble thanks to those present for remembering his work and legacy. She encouraged the students to see Sánchez Borbón as an inspiration and recognize their potential to make a similar impact.

The students’ performances truly showcased their dedication and talent. They delivered both group and individual recitals of Sánchez Borbón’s poetry, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the Poet’s evocative words. In addition, some students shared their original poems, which beautifully reflected their thoughts and creativity. In fact, two of those original student poems are being published today in The Bocas Breeze. The performances also included a musical act, where a student skillfully played the guitar and sang, adding a melodic touch to the celebration.

An engaging, student-led-analytical discussion about El Ahogado then captivated the audience, with the Poet’s nieces actively participating in the conversation. Guest students from the Multicultural International School, formerly known as Bethel, and their Spanish teacher, Adida Culiolis Chin, also contributed their insights and personal experiences with the novel, further enriching the event.

Twelfth-grade student Nashan Stephens had the pleasure of reciting his original poem “Morena.” He expressed that his favorite part of the event was sharing his poetry, which he had composed a few months ago. “Seeing how the audience connected with my poetry… I have no words to describe the round of applause they gave me. It was all very incredible,” Nashan said. He shared his passion for music and his aspiration to continue writing poetry, hoping to reach readers worldwide.

Stephens reflected on his pride as a Bocatoreño, identifying with Sánchez Borbón and being inspired by his achievements. “Guillermo Sánchez Borbón is a source of pride for me. Being Bocatoreño, I identify with the writer, and it’s incredible what he achieved for our community. I feel I could also achieve something of the same magnitude.”

Nashan Stephens

The event culminated in a captivating theatrical performance by the students, who masterfully brought the characters from El Ahogado to life. Not only did they pay homage to the original story, but they also infused the characters with their unique interpretations, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the material. The performance resonated with everyone present, making it a memorable experience that left a lasting impression on all involved.

Professor Dora Reina, the school’s director, then punctuated the celebration by announcing that Guillermo Sánchez Borbón’s works would be incorporated into the school’s curriculum going forward. El Ahogado will be required reading for all students, encouraging a love for reading while honoring the legacy of the Bocatoreño writer.

After the special day, student Nashan Stephens emphasized the importance of such events for the Bocas community. “My generation is losing the habit of reading. These types of events raise awareness among young people about the different worlds that reading can open up.”

Josh Whitlock

Meanwhile, Josh Whitlock provided a preview of potential additional efforts to honor Sánchez Borbón and inspire young writers in Bocas del Toro. “This beautiful  celebration demonstrated the continued impact of the great Poet’s work and life. It also was a continuation of the magic surrounding the Tristán Solarte mural, and that magic doesn’t end here. In addition to the publication today of multiple students’ original poetry and of English translations of multiple Solarte poems, we currently are exploring establishing poetry mentorships for interested youth in Bocas, an annual Bocas youth poetry contest, a published anthology of poems written by Bocas youth, and other exciting possibilities. The incredibly impressive preparation and performance displayed by the youth and their school leaders on June 26 left everyone involved in organizing the event feeling inspired, convinced of the strong literature-related interest and potential among youth in Bocas, and committed to creatively fanning the flames of that interest and potential, all in honor of the great Bocatoreño Poet, author, journalist, and man, Guillermo Sánchez Borbón.”

Bocas TV and The Bocas Breeze covered the event, ensuring the broader community could later share in the celebration. You can watch a summary video of the event by Bocas TV here.

Let us continue to celebrate Guillermo Sánchez Borbón’s remarkable contributions to literature and honor his enduring impact. This event was a beautiful reminder of the power of words, the importance of preserving our literary heritage, and the potential within each young mind to create and inspire.

Article by Nicole Ortiz

Left to right: Josh Whitlock, Ariel Perez Price, Dora Reina, Dianelsa Barrios, Mireya Sánchez, Susana Negrin and Temistocles Sánchez