Dr Richard E. Georges has made local history with his appointment as a Literary and Cultural Ambassador responsible for promoting the understanding of and appreciation for Virgin Islands (VI) history and cultural heritage through poetry. Photo: HLSCC

Dr Richard E. Georges is an an award-winning author and President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Photo:VINO/File

Dr Georges, an award-winning author and President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), was bestowed with the honour on November 13, 2020, officially making him the first Virgin Islands Poet Laureate though the programme initiated by the Department of Culture.

Tenure will last for three years 

According to the Department of Culture, Dr Georges will hold the position for a period of three years and in acknowledging the recognition and achievement, he said that the arts are important to the development of the Territory.

“While this is a great personal milestone, I believe what is more important is what it portends for the undreamt future,” Dr Georges said.

He thanked his former literary teachers for the ‘foundation’ he received and his supporters in the community and abroad for his success.

As part of his responsibilities, Dr Georges is expected to carry out a range of roles including acting as a literary ambassador to promote a greater appreciation for the reading and writing of poetry.

Cultural and Literary ambassador 

He will act as a cultural ambassador for the Territory which will allow him to promote the understanding of and appreciation for Virgin Islands history and cultural heritage through poetry.

Additionally, Dr Georges will also be able to make suggestions for the improvement of existing literary programmes and projects as well as develop programmes and projects designed to increase the appreciation of poetry in the VI amongst other roles.