ABU DHABI, 27th April, 2025 (WAM) -- Jamaican writer Kwame McPherson said that his visit to Abu Dhabi presented a valuable opportunity to discover new cultures and strengthen literary ties with Emirati writers, noting the growth potential in the UAE-Caribbean literary relations.

Speaking at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), McPherson lauded the UAE's environment as conducive to creative dialogue and cultural openness.

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.

McPherson also revealed that his novel "Ocoee" is set to be adapted into a film, a significant step in expanding Caribbean literature's reach to a global audience.

Speaking about his literary journey, McPherson noted that his early education focused on Western literature, often overlooking local works. However, this shifted due to the success of international Jamaican authors like Booker Prize winner Marlon James. He explained that Jamaican literature's strength lies in its history of suffering related to slavery and colonisation, which gives it a unique voice centred on identity and self-discovery.

He also discussed how his writing evolved through a process of reading, reflecting on personal and collective experiences. Writing, he said, has never been easy, but he continually seeks new voices and styles to reflect his creative identity.

McPherson has written in various genres, from science fiction to historical novels, sometimes using pen names to differentiate his styles and meet audience expectations.