AWARD winning authors Kwame McPherson, Jamaica’s first-time global winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize in 2023; and Marcus Bird, winner of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Adult Short Story Prize (2021), and shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize (2018), have been officially invited to one of the largest book fairs in the world, being held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair was formed in 1982 under the auspices of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhmmad Al-Qasimi, the Sharjah, and has grown from humble beginnings to now being the world’s third largest book fair. The fair has attracted a formidable group of participants including Oscar winners, Booker prize winners and Nobel laureates. Steve Harvey, Deepak Chopra, Trevor Noah, Astronaut Sunita Williams, footballer Mohammed Sala, renowned actor Shah Rukh Khan and many more have graced the event.

The literary delegation of Jamaican authors signals a new chapter in Jamaica’s cultural diplomacy, where its storytelling enters new horizons in the international literary sphere. For most Jamaicans the idea of a creative can be somewhat limiting. It tends to be mainly perceived as someone who is a musician, actor or visual artist. It is important to recognise and spotlight literary excellence as writing is the backbone of nearly all creative endeavours.

McPherson made history in 2023 as the first Jamaican to win the heralded Commonwealth Short Story Prize from a pool of 6,641 international entrants. This win garnered him a special invite to Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Camilla and he was also the guest of honour at this year’s Abu Dhabi international book fair.

Bird was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize in 2018 and was the 2021 recipient of the JCDC best Adult Short Story Prize.

As invited guest authors, they will be treated to round trip flights, luxurious five-star accommodations as well as specially organised excursions such as desert safaris, networking dinners and visits to historical sites. As representatives from Jamaica, during their time in Sharjah they will teach workshops, conduct university visits and host a joint panel entitled: Culture in Motion: Identity in Storytelling and Screenwriting.

“I really want to wave the banner of Jamaican excellence,” said Bird. “Not only in the literary sense, but in how we represent with our energy and our style.”

In 2024 the juggernaut event received over two million visitors and hosted 2,500 publishers from 112 countries. It is also a hotbed for literature buffs, with a plethora of engaging programmes, literary discussions and interactive workshops. With a large presence of international publishers seeking fresh voices and literary content, the atmosphere is ripe for the two Jamaicans.

McPherson says he is humbled and grateful to be representing Jamaica and the Caribbean at such a prestigious event, promising to use the opportunity to bring the flavour of rich Caribbean storytelling to an entirely new audience.

Bird, meanwhile, believes that highlighting literary excellence on the world stage benefits all Jamaicans in the space as they collectively move towards an exciting new horizon. The book fair started November 5, and runs through November 16.

Marcus Bird.