The Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago Programme has officially relaunched, continuing a national platform dedicated to recognising literary excellence, celebrating the country’s oral tradition and strengthening engagement with the literary arts.

The media launch took place at the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain on Friday September 18, 2026 and was hosted by the Circle of Poets of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS).

The programme returns under the patronage of Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The occasion also marked the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Circle of Poets of Trinidad and Tobago and NALIS, reaffirming their commitment to the continued development and promotion of poetry and the literary arts in Trinidad and Tobago.

The event was chaired by Debbie Goodman, Manager, Corporate Communications, NALIS. Opening remarks were delivered by Jasmin Simmons, Director, Heritage Library Division, NALIS. Simmons highlighted the more than 20-year relationship between NALIS and the Circle of Poets and the Authority’s role in preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s literary heritage. She noted the acquisition of significant poetry collections, including that of former Poet Laureate of Port of Spain Anson Gonzalez, whose collection was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Latin America and Caribbean Register in 2014. Gonzalez was also instrumental in establishing National Poetry Day, observed on 15 October in Trinidad and Tobago and other parts of the Caribbean.

The programme’s incumbent Poet Laureate, acclaimed poet, actor and storyteller Paul Keens-Douglas, reflected on his tenure and performed his classic Pan Rap. Appointed Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago in 2017, Keens-Douglas has used poetry, storytelling and performance throughout his career to capture the dialect, humour and lived experiences of Caribbean people.

The national programme evolved from the former Poet Laureate of Port of Spain title, held by Alfred McDonald Clarke (2000), Eintou Pearl Springer (2002–2009) and Anson Gonzalez (2009–2015).

Maria Bleasdell, Planning Committee Lead, outlined the selection framework for the next Poet Laureate, including the nomination and assessment process. Invitations to nominate have been issued to the Writer's Union, the Trinidad and Tobago Writers' Guild, The Oral Tradition Roots Foundation, The Cropper Foundation, Friends of Mr. Biswas, COSTAATT, USC, UTT, UWI and Bocas Lit Fest. Nominations close on 30 September 2026.

Nominees must meet the established criteria, including residency in Trinidad and Tobago, at least seven years of active involvement in the literary arts in Trinidad and Tobago and a minimum of three published books of poetry. Self-published works may be considered where they meet the required literary standard. Assessment will consider each nominee’s contribution, body of work and capacity to fulfil the responsibilities of the Poet Laureate.

The Selection Committee comprises award-winning author Celeste Mohammed, celebrated orator Debra Jean-Baptiste and Grand Slam winner and spoken-word advocate Derron Sandy.

The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago’s literary community, with responsibilities including public readings, workshops, school and community outreach, civic and literary events, media appearances and digital engagement.

In her address, Rachael N. Collymore, Chair of the Circle of Poets of Trinidad and Tobago, highlighted the need for greater rights awareness among Caribbean writers and authors, particularly in the context of AI and rapidly evolving digital technologies. She emphasised the importance of copyright protection, recognition and fair remuneration for creative work and called for greater collaboration among literary organisations to strengthen the legal and professional framework supporting writers and authors. Collymore also highlighted the Circle’s membership and collaboration with the International Authors Forum and its commitment to expanding opportunities for engagement and advocacy within the literary community.

With nominations now underway, the selection process will proceed ahead of the formal installation of the next Poet Laureate on 15 October 2026, National Poetry Day.