GUYANESE-BORN author, Richard Rupnarain, is the latest recipient of the Pakaraima Literary Award. He was bestowed with the prestigious award at last Sunday’s Pakaraima Writers Christmas Social, held in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.
The award recognises his many literary contributions. Rupnarain was a founding member of the Pakaraima Writers Association, established in 2005 by Janet Naidu—poet, writer, and community leader—where he served as vice president in its early years.

In his acceptance remarks, Rupnarain reflected on the formation of the Writers’ Group and the struggles writers faced to get their works published and recognised. He recounted how limited information, including resources like Amazon, made it challenging for authors to take the next step in publishing.
Rupnarain began his literary journey by writing short stories and plays and publishing his first booklet in 1994. While studying, he continued to write, focusing on stories that reflected social life in Guyana. Many of his works have been published in magazines and books. Notable titles include “A Ring, A Rose, and a Pair of Shoes – Skits and Plays for All Occasions, Vol. 3”, “Guyanese Nights – Tales from the Diaspora, Vol. 3”, “Choke and Rob: Tales from the Diaspora, Vol. 5”, and his latest novel, “Susanna: Unsung Heroine of the 1823 Demerara Slave Rebellion.”
Growing up in the Presbyterian Church, Richard was inspired to write on religious themes. To date, he has published around 120 books on theology, prophecy, devotionals, and personal growth. Titles include “Handwriting on the Wall: Studies on Daniel 1-6”, “The Pursuit of Excellence: Meditations on the Power of Righteousness”, “Live with Precision: Walking in Step with God’s Plan for Your Life”, and “My Sacred Duty.”

Richard attended Queen’s College in Guyana and later studied accounting. He worked as an accountant before retiring to take up a full-time pastorate in Mississauga, Ontario.
In 1987, after immigrating to Canada, Rupnarain pursued biblical education. He earned the Assemblies of God (AOG) Ministerial Diploma and a Master’s degree in Theological Studies at Tyndale University in Toronto. He was ordained as a pastor in 1986 and at the Church of God (Canada) in 1987.

Rupnarain expressed deep gratitude for the award, which is the fifth presented by the Pakaraima group. Previous recipients include Ian McDonald (poet and writer), Ramabai Espinet (professor, poet, and writer), Peter Jailall (poet and educator), and Janet Naidu (poet, educator, and community leader).
Lisa Freemantle, poet, writer, and composer, is the new President of the Pakaraima Writers Association. She chaired the programme for the afternoon’s celebration and shared readings from her poetry collection.

Janet Naidu presented the award to Rupnarain, expressing her honour at recognising his significant contributions. Naidu shared her latest book of poems, River Crossing, while other authors, including Peter Jailall and Kenneth Puddicombe, read from their published works.
The event also featured presentations by Lal Balkaran on Guyanese authors and financial literacy and Shirley Najhram, a children’s book author, who showcased her works at the book table. The celebration concluded with refreshments, networking, and congratulations to Rupnarain, who delivered an engaging account of his writing journey. He was accompanied by his wife, Sandra, Executive Director of Family Service of Peel, Brampton, and their two children, Steven and Kimberly, and three grandchildren.