News
World Poetry Day Event Celebrates Jamaican Poets
The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ), in collaboration with the UNESCO Caribbean Office, hosted the first “Poetry in Bloom” event on World Poetry Day celebrated annually on March 21st. The event was a celebration of the continuous blooming of Jamaican poets and the strengthening of the voice of the Poet Laureate.
Beverly Lashley, National Librarian, National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) in her welcome address, highlighted the decade-long journey of the Poetry Laureate programme and its impact on the literary landscape of Jamaica. She also highlighted the integral role of UNESCO’s partnership with the NLJ and the success and impact of its programmes.
Together we will be building bridges that span the globe by connecting hearts and minds across Jamaica.
Anna Paolini, Director and Representative, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean in her opening remarks, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to again partner with NLJ to advance media and information literacy and celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Poet Laureate Programme. She emphasized UNESCO’s commitment to nurturing emerging voices and giving voice to a diverse orchestra of creatives. She also congratulated the NLJ on its achievements and the successful launch of The archive is a tangible example of Jamaica’s support for the implementation of UNESCO’s 2015 Recommendation Concerning the Preservation of, and Access to, Documentary Heritage Including in Digital Form.
The archive will breathe new life into the architecture and ensure outstanding contributions are preserved for future generations.
The event also saw the participation of Olive Senior, Poet Laureate of Jamaica. She highlighted the legacy of Edward Baugh and his commitment to the proliferation of poetry in Jamaica. She also announced that anthologies of the Poet Laureates are in the process of being proposed to the Ministry of Education for inclusion in the school curriculum.
The event also provided an opportunity for the NLJ to share the results of a recent poetry competition and to award the four winners of the Poet Laureate of Jamaica Prizes for Poetry 2024. The award winners shared captivating works from their portfolios, touching on themes ranging from nature to love, childhood memories and even political commentary about the housing situation in Kingston.
The main address delivered by Deanroy Bernard, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, and Entertainment on behalf the Honourable Olivia Grange, highlighted the power of words, sound, music and film in the building Brand Jamaica. He highlighted achievements such as the Poetry Archive and the budding network of upcoming poets. He also mentioned the numerous poetry and literary institutions and festivals that been established throughout the country highlighting the reach of poetry and the arts across the country. The permanent secretary urged the poets to engage the various facilities provided by the government to ensure advancement in their fields.
Olive Senior, Poet Laureate of the Jamaica also announced her 23rd book, an anthology titled “Trees Seen: Jamaica’s Trees in Poem and Pictures”. The Poet Laureate received a token commemorating achievements during her tenure, celebrating her dedication to the craft.
The event was a clear indication of the impact of World Poetry Day on the life of Jamaica and its commitment to the literary arts.
