The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ), in partnership with the Forestry Department and the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC), hosted the official launch of ‘Tree Seen by Thirty Jamaican Poets‘ at West Kings House Road on September 7. 

The launch coincided with the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, making the celebration of trees in the anthology a fitting tribute to the importance of nature and environmental consciousness.

Penned and curated by Olive Senior, former Poet Laureate of Jamaica (2021–2024), the anthology brings together the voices of thirty Jamaican poets in a vibrant exploration of trees as metaphors for culture, history, memory, and identity.

The collection features works by renowned poets including Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Earl McKenzie, Pamela Mordecai, and Mervyn Morris, among others.  Authors, cultural stakeholders, and poetry enthusiasts gathered to celebrate this landmark contribution to Jamaica’s literary landscape.

Joy Douglas, board chair of the NLJ, formally welcomed guests to the launch, emphasising the institution’s commitment to safeguarding Jamaica’s literary and cultural heritage. As chair, she highlighted the NLJ’s pivotal role in ensuring that publications such as ‘Tree Seen by Thirty Jamaican Poets‘ are preserved and made accessible for generations to come.

DeanRoy Bernard, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to cultural preservation and development.

“The [ministry] remains steadfast in support of initiatives that enable cultural preservation and retention. The Poet Laureate of Jamaica Programme is one such initiative that continues to foster the preservation and usage of poetry as a medium through which we can thoughtfully question the world around us and capture our experiences and history,” Bernard said.

He further extended congratulations to Senior on being named one of the recipients at this year’s National Awards Ceremony in the category, Order of Distinction, Commander Class (CD), for her outstanding service and contribution to the field of Literary Arts.

In her vote of thanks, Francina Francis, director of special programmes at the NLJ, highlighted the enduring significance of trees in shaping and contributing to the human journey.

“It is beautifully fitting that this launch has taken place on International Day of Clean Air and Blue Skies, a moment that calls us to reflect on the life-giving bond between humanity and the natural world,” Ms. Francis said, underscoring how the anthology deepens national appreciation for poetry while celebrating our relationship with nature.

‘Tree Seen ‘is Senior’s ode to the environment and serves as her final publication as Poet Laureate of Jamaica for the period 2021 to 2024.

The afternoon’s proceedings were gracefully guided by Tanya Batson-Savage, writer, editor, filmmaker, and CEO of Blue Banyan Books Ltd—hailed by Senior as “everybody’s favourite”—whose elegance and warmth brought the anthology’s celebration to life.

Copies of ‘Tree Seen by Thirty Jamaican Poets‘ are now available for purchase at the National Library of Jamaica, 12 East Street, downtown Kingston, and will soon be distributed to bookstores island-wide.