Growth potential in United Arab Emirates-Caribbean literary relations – Kwame McPherson

Abu Dhabi in Dubai hosted its 2025 international book fair, April 26 to May 5. The region was represented by Jamaica’s Kwame McPherson, the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Competition winner, making him the first Jamaican to win the biggest global short story prize.

The book fair’s programme guide says, among other things, “This year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair proudly welcomes the Caribbean culture as the Guest of Honour, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage, historical depth, and vibrant literary tradition’.

McPherson told The Gleaner that his invitation “was literally by chance”. With the Caribbean being the guest of honour a search for a representation was carried out, and McPherson was mentioned, and subsequently contacted by email.

“At first, I thought the email was a scam, but after doing due diligence, it was confirmed to be legit. Replying to that surprise notification, it took only four weeks for everything to be arranged, and I was eventually on my way,” he shared with The Gleaner.

The book fair was held in an enormous exhibition hall, where there were hundreds of booths of publishers, local authorities, and various countries presenting their translated books. Over the eleven days, there were four sessions where McPherson spoke about the Caribbean, writers, stories, and storytelling.

The first session was with William Mullally, a leading Abu Dhabi journalist. The second one was in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan upon an invitation of the Sea of Culture Foundation. The third took place in the Caribbean Pavilion, an area that provided information about the Caribbean and a few writers. My fourth was with the host, Dr Nidal Shoukeir, and Dr Nabil Suleiman, novelist and critic.

“The hunger to learn about our culture was apparent in the audience’s questions and interaction. One professor I had the opportunity to share the stage with was well informed and knowledgeable, and excited by what our region can present in the United Arab Emirates,” McPherson told The Gleaner. “I had the opportunity to network with different representatives and, in our discussions, look at how the region’s involvement and participation could be broadened.”

FASCINATING EXPERIENCE

He was all over Arabian media. OneArabia, an online news platform says, on April 27, “Kwame McPherson, a Jamaican author, highlighted the significance of his visit to Abu Dhabi as an opportunity to explore diverse cultures and enhance literary connections with Emirati writers. He emphasised the potential for growth in UAE-Caribbean literary relations. During his speech at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), McPherson praised the UAE’s environment for fostering creative dialogue and cultural openness.

“The author also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with Emirati writers during his visit. He sees this interaction as a way to strengthen literary ties between the UAE and the Caribbean region. Such exchanges can lead to collaborative projects that enrich both cultures’ literary landscapes.”

McPherson’s final official participation was the handover of the Guest of Honour Emblem to Indonesia. He also had the opportunity to attend a “lively” brunch with entertainment provided by a Latino quartet and a Reggae on the Beach festival.

“I also met Jamaicans residing in the UAE who were a mountain of support, guidance, and advice … Going to Abu Dhabi was a fascinating experience. It highlighted the hunger in the region for Caribbean creativity and culture, especially in writing and storytelling. I am immensely proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to represent the region, and looking forward to cementing the partnerships and collaborations as a result of the various conversations,” McPherson told The Gleaner.

McPherson has written in various genres, from science fiction to historical novels, sometimes using pen names to differentiate his styles and meet audience expectations. McPherson also revealed that his Commonwealth Prize-winning short story, Ocoee, will be expanded into a novel, to be adapted to film, “marking a significant step in expanding Caribbean literature’s reach to a global audience”, he is reported to have said by OneArabia.

And, Big News Network, another Arabian online news platform says, “Reflecting on his Commonwealth Short Story Prize win for a tale rooted in historical injustices faced by marginalised communities in the US, including veterans and ethnic minorities, he stated that his literary aim is to illuminate overlooked histories and foster deeper human empathy through storytelling.”