Entries Now Open for 2024 Poet Laureate Prizes for Poetry Competition

The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) is inviting submissions for the 2024 Poet Laureate of Jamaica Prizes for Poetry competition, for which the deadline is March 1.

The winners will receive cash prizes of US$1,000 in several categories.

These are the Edward Baugh Prize for adult writers from Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew; the Louise Bennett-Coverley Prize for adult writers from St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, Trelawny, St Ann and St Mary, and the Michael Cooke Prize for adult writers from Hanover, St James, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth.

Additionally, interested persons, aged 18 to 25, can submit poems on the environment for the Poet Laureate of Jamaica Young Writer prize.

In a media release, National Librarian, NLJ, Beverley Lashley, said the annual competition has increased the network of young creative writers.

“We are happy to continue this programme, which was started by Lorna Goodison, and welcome the improvements made through our Poet Laureate of Jamaica Committee,” the release stated.

It further indicated that the objective of the Poet Laureate of Jamaica Programmme is to “help local creatives ‘dance a yard before them dance abroad’.”

“This year, the competition has expanded its borders, removing upper age limits from the parish categories as well as embracing a greater sense of equality by including women in the Michael Cooke Prize [category],” the release detailed.

Meanwhile, Poet Laureate of Jamaica, Olive Senior, in the release, said the competition provides a great platform for emerging writers of any age.

“Submitting to the Poet Laureate Prizes for Poetry competition may very well be your starting point and bridge to the wider world. Poetry competitions are a great way of putting your work out there, having it assessed, gaining prizes and recognition,” the release stated.

Since 2017, the NLJ has offered prizes to young writers who have gone on to further their work in the field of literature.

For competition submission requirements and other details, interested persons are invited to visit the NLJ website at www.nlj.gov.jm.