Trinidad and Tobago will have a new Poet Laureate in 2026 relieving the long standing current Laureate, Paul Keens-Douglas, who has held the position since 2016.
The announcement of the new selection committee was made last week and we have more in this story.
The current Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago is Paul Keens-Douglas and he has position since 2016.
NALIS and the Circle of Poets of Trinidad and Tobago came together to host a media launch for the new movement to revitalise the role.
The poet laureate is a national literary ambassador and a voice for poetry culture and public engagement.
The outgoing Poet Laureate Mr Keens-Douglas says he is happy to pass on the baton and had some advice for the incoming person.
Invitations will soon be issued to selected literary organisations, schools and academic institutions with knowledge of the local poetry landscape to submit nominees.
Each nomination must meet the established criteria to be valid.
Once the decision is confirmed, the next Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago will be formally announced.
Circle of Poets Board member Rachael Collymore says with the advent of the internet it is important to value writing.
It is expected that a new Poet laureate will be announced on October 15th along with a junior laureate.