By Frederick Halley
GUYANESE born Janet Naidu, poet, writer, and community leader in Toronto, was presented with the 2023 Pakaraima Literary Award at the Pakaraima Writers Christmas social held in Toronto on December 10, 2023, in recognition of her poetry and writings, and for the formation of the Pakaraima Writers Association.

Naidu started writing poetry in the 1970s and was closely associated with the Messenger Group that was formed and nurtured by the late Rajkumari Singh, poet, dramatist, activist and iconic figure in Guyana’s cultural history. Singh was an inspiration to young poets and writers. Those who were writing and performing in the arts included Mahadai Das, Rooplall Monar, Henry Mootoo, Guska, Gora Singh, among others.

Naidu has published four collections of poems. Her first collection, Winged Heart (Greenheart, 1999), was shortlisted for the Guyana Prize for Literature, Poetry category, in 2000. Her other collections include Rainwater (Greenheart, 2005), second edition (Greenheart Press, 2023), Sacred Silence (HANSIB, 2009), and River Crossing (Greenheart Press, 2023).
Naidu has also published essays and short stories. Some of her poems have also been published in anthologies such as A Bouquet of Flowers, Sudden Thunder, and Scaling New Heights. Her poetry has also appeared in books, journals, internet publications and blogs.

The Pakaraima Writers Association was formed in 2005 by Naidu when she said she realised there was a gap in the community for a writer’s group to support one another. The association has seen the participation of poets and writers who would come out to read poetry, stories and even passages from novels. Some have even published their works since the formation of the group.

Naidu served for 12 years as its President, giving her commitment and dedication to the arts to create a space for poets and writers to come together. Habeeb Ali, a poet, humanitarian, and community leader, served as President for five years, and Shirley Najhram, a children’s author, is the current acting President. Naidu continues to contribute to the work of the association.

Naidu disclosed that ever since the pandemic, events have been held on Zoom and the Christmas social was the first in-person event.
Naidu remarked that she was honoured to receive the award, which is the fourth award the writers’ group has given out, the previous recipients being Ian McDonald, Guyanese poet; Ramabai Espinet, Trinidadian professor and writer and Peter Jailall, Guyanese poet and educator.

The event was hosted by Rudy Lochan, a local realtor, who supports the Pakaraima writers at their events, including at lunches and dinners where literary readings are held. Naidu received the award from the association amidst attendees who took part in a meal, singing Christmas carols and socialising.

Congratulations were also received in person from the Honorary Consul, Mr. Mani Singh, of the Consulate General Office in Toronto, who brought inspirational greetings and delivered an informative address about the Guyana-Venezuela controversy. It was also a day of remembrance and prayers for our fallen soldiers, families, and friends, and all mourning this loss.

Apart from her literary works, Naidu volunteers in the wider Canadian community, whether in professional organisations or in the community where she resides.
As a certified Career Coach, she mentors young professionals in the human resource profession to help them in their career goals and aspirations. She is a trainer and presenter in the area of human rights, workplace harassment and discrimination, and diversity in the workplace.

Naidu has a BA in Political Science and Caribbean Studies from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, UK. Having completed her legal education later in life, Janet is not a practising lawyer; she has utilised her legal education to teach legal courses in hospitality and tourism at George Brown College in Toronto.