The inaugural Jamaica Book Festival happens this weekend

The inaugural Jamaica Book Festival (JBF), led by literacy advocate Latoya West-Blackwood, is set to take place this weekend, from December 6-8.

JBF is the representation of a lifelong dream of West-Blackwood, that was fueled by her love for books, a love she developed at five years old.

What started as a love for reading eventually manifested into actionable initiatives to promote and celebrate literacy, which led West-Blackwood to create JBF.

‘I’ve always believed in the power of books to transport us to new worlds’, she said in an interview. ‘The festival is a dream come true. At the heart of this festival is the mission to reimagine libraries as safe spaces and knowledge hubs for all Jamaicans, especially children and youth’, West-Blackwood continued.

The Jamaica Book Festival will feature a fulsome three-day programme, kicking off on Friday, December 6 with the Children’s Festival at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library.

Organisers promise a day of interactive storytelling, activities, and sessions aimed at developing literacy skills in children; the festival is open to the public and free.

A key highlight of the day will be the unveiling of a children’s career book authored by marketer, social impact creator, and JBF Director of Marketing, Joel Nomdarkham.

On Saturday, December 7, JBF will focus on the business of the book industry and will feature a line-up of six speakers, bringing together publishers, authors, and creative and literary professionals, to share their expertise and knowledge.

Feature presentations include topics centred on grant writing, design chat with Canva, emerging global marketing opportunities, marketing and publicity, and publishing.

Industry Day will culminate with a special live podcast by Reasonings With Odessa, featuring an intimate conversation with Oku Onuora, the father of Jamaican Dub Poetry.

The culminating event on Sunday, December 8, scheduled to be held at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library, will feature literary discussions, book signings, and exhibitions from authors and artisans, as part of celebrating the vibrant literary community.

In addition to the festival events, the JBF also launched the Young Writers’ Prize, an initiative designed to spotlight and nurture the next generation of literary voices from Jamaica.

The programme, which closed on November 30, was open to students in grades 9-13, with categories in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. A $30k cash award will be presented to one winner in each category.

‘I want JBF to become the place to discover emerging voices, nurture young readers, and create meaningful connections across languages and cultures,’ West-Blackwood said.

‘Through this festival, we aim to elevate our local talent and connect it to the wider world, building a platform where stories transcend borders,’ said West-Blackwood.

For more information on the Jamaica Book Festival and its upcoming events, visit jamaicabookfest.com or follow @jamaicabookfestval on social media. You can also contact us at [email protected]