The Poet Laureate of Jamaica

This prize category is open to poets residing in the eastern end of the island (namely, the parishes of Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, and Portland). The prize will include a cash award of US$1,000.

Eligibility

· The prize is open to Jamaican nationals 18 years and older

· Applicants must reside in one of the eastern parishes, namely Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, and Portland

· The submitted poems must be the original work of the applicant

· Poems may be written on any subject of the applicant’s choosing

· Poems submitted for this prize should not have been previously published

Submission Requirements for All Prizes

Each applicant is required to submit:

1. a portfolio of three (3) to six (6) original poems (poems should be typed on plain paper and pages should be numbered)

2. a completed application form

3. a signed legal release form

4. a copy of a government-issued photo identification indicating AGE and ADDRESS (eg. Passport, driver’s license) should be submitted

This prize category is open to poets residing in the western end of the island (namely, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Trelawny). The prize will include a cash award of US$1,000.

Eligibility

The prize is open to Jamaican nationals 18 years and older

• Applicants must reside in one of the western parishes, namely Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Trelawny
• The submitted poems must be the original work of the applicant
• Poems may be written on any subject of the applicant’s choosing\
• Poems submitted for this prize should not have been previously published

Submission Requirements for All Prizes

Each applicant is required to submit:

1. a portfolio of three (3) to six (6) original poems (poems should be typed on plain paper and pages should be numbered)

2. a completed application form

3. a signed legal release form

4. a copy of a government-issued photo identification indicating AGE and ADDRESS (e.g. passport, driver’s license

This prize category is open to poets residing in any of the central parishes of the island (namely, Clarendon, St. Ann, St. Mary, Manchester, and St. Catherine). The award will include a cash prize of US$1,000.

Eligibility

· The prize is open to Jamaican nationals 18 years and older.

· Applicants must reside in one of the following parishes (Clarendon, St. Ann, St. Mary, Manchester, and St. Catherine)

· The submitted poems must be the original work of the applicant

· Poems may be written on any subject of the applicant’s choosing

· Poems submitted for this prize should not have been previously published

Submission Requirements for All Prizes

Each applicant is required to submit:

1. a portfolio of three (3) to six (6) original poems (poems should be typed on plain paper and pages should be numbered)

2. a completed application form

3. a signed legal release form

4. a copy of a government-issued photo identification indicating AGE and ADDRESS (eg. Passport, driver’s license) should be submitted

Inspired by the slogan “I See my Land…”, the prize specifically focuses on the use of eco-poetics or writing poetry about the environment.

The winner of the prize will receive $1,000 US dollars, as well as an invitation to participate in an award ceremony to be held in Kingston in March 2024. The Poet Laureate of Jamaica Young Writer’s Prize for Poetry affords shortlisted applicants the opportunity to have their work critically reviewed by Ms. Olive Senior, Poet Laureate of Jamaica.

Eligibility

· The prize is open to Jamaican nationals between the ages of 18 and 25 years.

· The submitted poems must be the original work of the applicant.

· Poems should possess a thematic focus on any aspect of the Jamaican or Caribbean natural environment.

· Poems submitted for this prize should not have been previously published.

Submission Requirements for All Prizes

Each applicant is required to submit:

1. a portfolio of three (3) to six (6) original poems (poems should be typed on plain paper and pages should be numbered)

2. a completed application form

3. a signed legal release form

4. a copy of a government-issued photo identification indicating AGE and ADDRESS (eg. Passport, driver’s license)

Judging and Selection

· Judging will be conducted by a panel at the National Library of Jamaica.

· Review notes will be submitted to a final judging panel for scoring.

· The decision of the judges is final and unanimous.

· The winners will be announced in March 2024.

Submission Requirements for Prizes

Each applicant is required to submit:

1. a portfolio of three (3) to six (6) original poems (poems should be typed on plain paper and pages should be numbered)

2. a completed application form

3. a signed legal release form

4. a copy of a government-issued photo identification indicating AGE and ADDRESS (eg. Passport, driver’s license) should be submitted