Hemayel Michael Anthony Martina (24 October 1990 – 29 January 2011) was a Curaçaoan poet. While studying at the International School of Curaçao, the 17-year-old Martina started writing poems addressed to young people. Later, these were collected in a book, with each poem appearing side by side in both Papiamento and English. The book has two titles: Ansestro Preokupá Sosegá (Papiamento) and Worried Ancestor Rest in Peace (English). The poems explore politics, music, sports, and various personalities who have made important contributions to Martina's homeland of Curaçao.[1] [2]
After residing for a while in Leiden, Netherlands, and continuing his university education at Webster University in Leiden,[3] he toured Curaçao with musician and friend Levi Silvanie. They performed at various venues combining poetry with Silvanie's music.[4] They both organized a night of poetry and music on local television.[5] He also toured South Africa in December 2010.[6]
On 29 January 2011, while touring Curaçao, he died from injuries suffered in a car crash. He was buried in Curaçao.[7]