By: Omar Ryan, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, INAFRICARA
The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy (INAFRICARA), at The UWI on May 6, 2026 hosted the launch of Dante’s Inferno, the groundbreaking new translation and reimagining of the classic work by renowned Jamaican poet and cultural icon Lorna Goodison at the Neville Hall Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Humanities and Education, (FHE) The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. The event brought together members of the literary community, academics, political leaders, diplomats, students and lovers of Caribbean literature for an engaging evening of discussion and reflection on language, identity and the enduring relevance of classical texts within contemporary Caribbean society.
The distinguished gathering reflected the significance of the occasion and the high regard in which Goodison’s literary contribution is held across the Caribbean and internationally. Among those in attendance were former Jamaican Prime Minister, the Most Honourable P. J. Patterson and former Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, both longstanding advocates for Caribbean culture, education and regional integration. Leader of the Opposition in Jamaica, Mr. Mark Golding, was also present, adding to the distinguished character of the event and demonstrating the broad national interest in celebrating Jamaican literary achievement on the world stage. Their presence underscored the importance of literature and the arts in shaping Caribbean identity and intellectual life.
Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, including the Colombian Ambassador to Jamaica, H.E. Emiliana Bernard-Stephenson, the Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, H.E. Tania Lopez Larroque along with representatives from the academic and cultural communities.
The launch highlighted Goodison’s remarkable achievement in reinterpreting Dante Alighieri’s centuries-old masterpiece through Jamaican language, imagery and cultural sensibilities. In this new rendering, the work moves beyond translation into a profound act of cultural transformation, drawing connections between the Caribbean experience, questions of spirituality, history and social justice.
Guest speaker, Dr Anthea Morrison, a retired Senior Lecturer from the Department of Literatures in English, FHE reflected on the importance of preserving and validating Caribbean intellectual and creative traditions through literature. In her presentation, she emphasized that Goodison’s work demonstrates how Caribbean writers continue to reshape global literary discourse by centering regional voices, histories and modes of expression that were once marginalized. Dr Morrison also noted that the translation represents more than a literary exercise; it is an affirmation of the legitimacy, beauty and philosophical depth of Jamaican language and culture within world literature.
Throughout the proceedings, presenters reflected on the importance of Caribbean writers reclaiming and reshaping global literary canons in ways that affirm regional voices and traditions. Special attention was given to the innovative use of Jamaican vernacular and oral storytelling traditions, elements that have long characterized Goodison’s distinguished body of work.
The launch created an atmosphere of intellectual exchange and cultural celebration as excerpts from INAFRICARA’s Africa Caribbean Reasoning with Professors Lorna Goodison and Paulette Ramsay were shared and discussed. Patrons responded enthusiastically to the exploration of Dante’s journey through the lens of Caribbean realities, recognizing the work as both literary scholarship and creative innovation. The event further underscored the role of literature in preserving cultural identity while contributing to global conversations on humanity, morality and resilience.
The richly creative and intellectual audience was also treated to renditions of classical Jamaican hits from rock steady to reggae by Saxophonist Vincent Hawthorne with support from Jerome Tulloch playing keyboard.
Lorna Goodison, one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated literary voices, continues to receive international recognition for her poetry, prose and cultural advocacy. Her translation of Dante’s Inferno has already been described as a major contribution to contemporary world literature and Caribbean literary studies.
