The New Poet Laureate of Jamaica: Professor Kwame Dawes
Professor Kwame Dawes (right) is the new Poet Laureate of Jamaica. Photo by Jamaica GIS.
Jamaica’s New Poet Laureate Aims to Promote Poetry Across the Country
Jamaica’s new Poet Laureate, Professor Kwame Dawes, has been appointed to promote poetry across the country during his term from 2025 to 2028. At a ceremony at King’s House, Custos Rotulorum for Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, presented Professor Dawes with the official sash and pin on behalf of Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen.
Building on the Work of Past Poet Laureates
Professor Dawes plans to build on the work of past Poet Laureates, including Olive Senior (2021-2024), Lorna Goodison (2017-2020), and Professor Mervyn Morris (2014-2017). He consulted with them to learn what they wished they had done and will include those ideas in his plans.
Aims and Objectives
His strategy includes using traditional and social media to promote Jamaican poetry. He has formed a 12-member team to organize events and initiatives to preserve the country’s poetry legacy. One of his key projects is a weekly poetry series to keep the art form alive. He also plans to create a Caribbean Poetry imprint to publish works from poets across the region, similar to his past work in Africa, where he helped publish over 200 poets.
Poets House in Jamaica
Professor Dawes envisions a Poets House in Jamaica – a dedicated space for preserving poetry, like institutions in the UK and the USA. Though this may not happen during his tenure, he hopes to lay the groundwork for it.
Inspiring Young People
He is committed to inspiring young people by making poetry accessible through social media. While not all students will become poets, he wants to provide aspiring writers with platforms and opportunities to publish and improve their craft.
About Professor Kwame Dawes
Professor Dawes has written over 30 books of poetry and other works. He has received many awards, including Jamaica’s Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2022, the Musgrave Silver Medal in 2004, and the 2023 Poetry Book Society Choice for Winter. He teaches at Pacific University in Oregon and Brown University in the USA. His father, Neville Dawes, was a novelist and former Executive Director of the Institute of Jamaica.
Conclusion
Professor Kwame Dawes is committed to promoting poetry across Jamaica and inspiring young people to pursue their passion for writing. With his extensive experience and achievements, he is well-equipped to lead the Poet Laureate of Jamaica Programme and build on the legacy of his predecessors.
FAQ
- Who is the new Poet Laureate of Jamaica?
Professor Kwame Dawes - What are his plans as Poet Laureate?
To promote Jamaican poetry through traditional and social media, create a weekly poetry series, and establish a Caribbean Poetry imprint. - What is his vision for a Poets House in Jamaica?
To create a dedicated space for preserving poetry, similar to institutions in the UK and the USA. - How will he inspire young people to pursue their passion for writing?
By making poetry accessible through social media and providing platforms and opportunities for aspiring writers to publish and improve their craft.
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