Dr Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was among the 37 first time authors who were honoured by Nalis last week.

Neil Parsanlal, chairman of the Board of Nalis presented Dr Rowley with his plaque on Thursday 27, a day after the official ceremony to mark the Nalis Eight First Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme was held at the National Library.

Parsanlal congratulated the prime minister on the publication of his memoir titled, “From Mason Hall to Whitehall”. Since the introduction of Nalis’ First Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme in 2010, 304 persons have been recognised. Parsanlal said that these new authors contribute to Trinidad and Tobago’s literary landscape and enrich the literature of the world.

The Nalis First Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme seeks to celebrate the efforts of individuals who have published their first book in a given period, promote the works of local authors, encourage new writers to enter the publishing arena and promote the reading habit.

An exhibition showcasing the biographies and books of the 2017 First Time Authors will run from April 26 to May 19 at the Rotunda, National Library.