Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago?

The Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago title is the new incarnation of the former, Poet Laureate of Port of Spain, which was first awarded by the Circle of Poets and the Mayor of Port of Spain in 2000. The late Alfred McDonald (A.M.) Clarke was the first title holder. 
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Eintou Springer is a Humming Bird Silver Medal awardee and the second recipient of the Poet Laureate of Port of Spain title.

Creator of the National Heritage Library, Eintou is also an award-winning actress; honoured by the National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NDATT) in 2004.
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​As an author, she has published five books of poetry, ‘Loving the Skin I'm In', ‘Moving into the Light', ‘Out oof the Shadows' and ‘Focussed', as well as stories for children entitled ‘God Child”.

Anson Gonzalez was most known for founding and publishing the "The New Voices" bi-annual literary journal that has published poems, plays, short stories, and non-fiction by more than 300 Caribbean writers!
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​He later went on to was the third recipient of the Poet Laureate of Port of Spain a He himself was published by Pepal Tree Press and before passing in 2015, Anson was inscribed into the Memory of the World Register for the Caribbean and Latin America, Awarded via UNESCO Committee. 
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This new programme is designed to shortlist nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who have been nominated by local literary organisations and educational institutions.

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Who should be considered for the Poet Laureate title?

Nominators and nominees should consider the some of the criteria and duties required of the Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago. The successful candidate must:

• Be able to serve as Poet Laureate for three (3) years as a resident of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Be actively involved in the poetry/literary community of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Have no less than three (3) published books of poetry. Works that have been awarded honourable mention in literary journals, as well as poetry awards may also be entered into consideration.
• Have publications of a high standard and regarded highly by the local literary community; this includes self-published works by the author.
• Only be self-nominated, providing they meet the stipulated criteria (above)
• Be comfortable speaking in public. The Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago is expected to give back to the national community through a series of programmes and workshops designed to raise awareness and appreciation for poetic forms of writing. 

 
NB: The duties and responsibilities of the Poet Laureate are not limited to the above terms. 

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