The Caribbean literary world is mourning the loss of renowned poet, writer, and linguist Velma Pollard.

Pollard who died on February 1 was 87 years old. Born in 1937 in Woodside, Saint Mary Pollard’s love for literature and storytelling was nurtured from an early age, alongside her sister, Erna Brodber.

She attended the Excelsior High School, the University College of the West Indies, Columbia University, and McGill University.

Her literary journey began with a poetry prize at age 7. She later went on to publish her work in the Jamaica Journal among other popular magazines. Her notable works include the short story collection Shame Trees Don’t Grow Here and the novel Karl, which won the prestigious Casa de las Américas Literary Prize.

She earned an honorary membership in the Society for Caribbean Linguistics (SCL) in 2022. She was also active on the local poetry scene performing at the Jamaica Poetry Festival and Poetry in Motion.