Jamaican selected to represent Caribbean at prestigious international book fair

Kwame McPherson, the first Jamaican to win (in 2023) the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, has been invited to represent the Caribbean by The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) from April 26 to May 5 in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, “a state-of-the-art venue that draws tens of thousands of participants annually”.

“We are proud to announce that the Caribbean will be this year’s guest of honour, and we believe your powerful voice and literary contributions as a Caribbean writer will greatly enrich this celebration. Your work, which reflects the vibrant culture and lived experiences of the region, makes you an ideal guest for this special occasion. We would be honoured to host you as a speaker in our cultural and professional programme,” a part of the invitation says.

The occasion is part of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s efforts to promote culture, encourage reading, and bridge the gap between literary traditions. The costs of McPherson’s travel and accommodation will be fully covered by ADIBF.

“The ADIBF is a leading regional and international platform acting as a major umbrella to bring together the poles of the publishing and creative industries. It seeks to promote a culture of reading and encourage creativity in its various manifestations, especially those related to books, through an integrated programme of activities targeting all segments of society with their various interests,” the invitation also says.

“The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a leading regional and international platform that annually brings together authors, publishers, readers, and literary enthusiasts from around the globe. With over three decades of history, ADIBF has evolved into a dynamic cultural festival that celebrates the transformative power of books, ideas, and artistic expression.”

McPherson, who was born in England of Jamaican parentage, mostly resides in Jamaica. He has accepted the invitation and, in reacting to the offer, he said in a release that he is “humbled and grateful to be representing Jamaica and the region at such a prestigious international event”.

He promises “to bring the rich Caribbean storytelling flavour to an entirely new audience”. “He also recognises that, as a Jamaican and an international award-winning writer, how important it is to have our Jamaican culture appreciated by other cultures, even more so through oral and written storytelling,” the release says.

“It is an honour and privilege to represent Jamaica and the Caribbean at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025, since it shows how far our storytelling, written and oral, has come,” McPherson told The Gleaner.

“To be the first Jamaican to win the Commonwealth short story prize globally has opened many international doors and has allowed me to show how my writing has had a worldwide impact and exposure with people from various cultures enjoying how I write and what I’ve written, I am excited for what’s to come for me and my current and future stories. There’s much more in the writing tank.”

McPherson is the sixth Jamaican to win the Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the Caribbean region, but the first to cop the global award. Following the announcement of his winning the prestigious prize, McPherson was invited to Buckingham Palace where he met with Queen Camilla.

He is also a recipient of the UK’s University of Westminster’s ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ (2023), and an Amazon bestseller for The Heart of a Black Man: Inspiring Stories of Triumph and Resilience (2023). Most recently, the editorial board of The Caribbean Writer, the longest continuously published journal in the Caribbean, congratulated him for a story successfully submitted to their latest volume to be published in June, this year.

The alumnus of London Metropolitan University and the University of Westminster is a prolific writer who is also a content creator, mentor, and book mentor strategist. He is known for his contributions to literature, personal development, and empowerment initiatives, and his impactful storytelling and thought-provoking narratives that explore themes of cultural identity, resilience, and the human spirit.