Professor Emeritus Mervyn Morris courtesy of jis.gov.jm
Professor Emeritus Mervyn Morris has been named Jamaica’s first Poet Laureate in 60 years.
Morris, an eminent poet was named by the Tourism Minister, Dr Wykeham McNeill this morning.
The title of Poet Laureate is a national honor that recognizes a distinguished Jamaican poet for his/her significant contribution to the literary community.
It is expected to stimulate a greater appreciation for Jamaican poetry, write poems for national occasions, and preserve and disseminate the island’s cultural heritage through prose.
Morris, a retired professor at the University of the West Indies, has led the charge for the Government to do more to show the country’s appreciation for the arts.
Jamaica Pen Publishers 