Widely acclaimed poet Professor Kwame Dawes has been appointed Poet Laureate of Jamaica for 2025 to 2028.

In the ceremony of investiture, held at King’s House on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, he was bestowed with the insignia by Deputy Governor General Steadman Fuller.

Professor Dawes is the fourth poet laureate in post-Independent Jamaica, succeeding prolific poet Olive Senior; accomplished author Lorna Goodison; and literary giant Professor Mervyn Morris.

Born in Ghana in 1962 he relocated to Jamaica in 1971, where he received secondary education at Jamaica College before later completing undergraduate studies at The University of the West Indies, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1983.

He then went on a Commonwealth Scholarship to study and teach in New Brunswick, Canada.

In 1992, he received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English from the University of New Brunswick.

In his remarks, Fuller said the influence of poets laureate over the years has been immeasurable in shaping how Jamaicans view their history, identity and their aspirations.

He commended Professor Dawes, noting that his appointment marks the continuation of a remarkable journey in nurturing and celebrating Jamaican poetry.

“Beyond your literary work, you have co-founded the renowned Calabash International Literary Festival, along with Colin Channer and Justine Henzell. Since its inception, this festival has been a vital platform for literary dialogue and creative expressions, further cementing your impact on the cultural fabric of Jamaica,” the deputy governor general said.

He urged Professor Dawes to continue to use poetry to inspire, elevate and give voice to the people of Jamaica.

In his response, Professor Dawes underscored that the establishment of the office of the Poet Laureate of Jamaica is a gesture towards service that recognises the role of the poet in society and the legacy of great Jamaican poets.

He reasoned that poets are chroniclers of their times — “they are not historians in the strictest term but do something even more critical — they leave evidence of the human feeling, the human imagination”.

Professor Dawes noted that society can conspire to silence and even erase the voices of whole swaths of humanity and silence poets by depriving them of the freedom and the means to make poetry.

“I consider my role one of affirming this nation’s desire to resist that erasure, to facilitate and make possible the room in which anyone caught in the dream and desire and compulsion to talk dem talk, to articulate experience with the beautiful execution of language,” he said.

For her part, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, emphasised that as an accomplished poet, playwright and novelist, Professor Dawes brings an unparalleled depth of experience and insight to the role.

“Professor Dawes’ work, often delving skilfully into themes of identity, resilience and the rich tapestry of Jamaican life, makes him a fitting ambassador for the nation’s literary voice,” Ms. Grange said.

Professor Dawes is the author of more than 30 poetry books and numerous other works, including essays, criticism and fiction.

His work often embodies the rich cultural interplay of lives within the Caribbean, Africa and North America.

Professor Dawes is the recipient of numerous awards and honours acknowledging his contributions to the literary arts.

His awards include the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by the Government of Jamaica in 2022, the 2023 Poetry Book Society Choice for Winter, Brittle Paper Literary Person of the Year in 2022, Musgrave Silver Medal for outstanding contribution to the arts in 2004, and the 1994 Forward Poetry Prize Best First Collection: Progeny of Air.

He is currently a lecturer in the Master of Fine Arts Programme at Pacific University, Oregon, as well as a Professor of Literary Arts at Brown University.

The poet laureate, among other things, is expected to stimulate a greater appreciation for Jamaican poetry and create an avenue for public involvement in the spoken arts.