Books by LR is proud to announce Arlene M. Kasmally-Dwarika as the recipient of the Write for the Future Grant, an initiative designed to uplift emerging and established voices whose work preserves culture, amplifies identity, and shapes the literary future of our communities.
This year’s selection process highlighted writers whose projects demonstrated cultural relevance, literary merit, and a deep commitment to storytelling that matters. Arlene’s proposed work stood out for its authenticity, richness of voice, and powerful dedication to preserving the lived experiences of Caribbean people, particularly those of Trinidad and Tobago.
A Writer Rooted in Culture and Community
Arlene’s expertise lies in her remarkable ability to create material that leverages the knowledge base of Caribbean youth while promoting national identity and cultural flavour for all. Her work draws deeply from indigenous experiences and community memory, offering stories that feel both intimate and universal.
Her unfolding artistic practice spans poetry, monologues and free-speech writing, short stories, and story collections, all anchored in advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural heritage. Through unique characterization, folklore, myth, nostalgic village settings, autobiographical and biographical reflections, and historic narrative, Arlene captures the trials, laughter, and grief of Caribbean life past and present.Beyond her academic and educational work, Arlene maintains a vibrant personal writing life. Notably, one of her recent poems was published in the prestigious Caribbean Writer (2025 issue), further affirming her place among the region’s compelling literary voices.
The Winning Project: Tales from the Village
Arlene’s grant-winning project, Tales from the Village, is a compilation of short stories set in a typical Trinidad and Tobago village during the 1970s and early 1980s. The collection offers a rich, layered insight into village life, shaped by history, culture, complexity, and the enduring resilience of its characters.
Inspired by oral traditions and lived experiences, the stories weave together autobiography and folklore to create a unified literary work that resonates deeply with Caribbean readers. Familiar figures emerge such as the Socouyant, Papa Bois, the village healer, the village maco, and the village drunkard alongside vivid portrayals of traditions such as Christmas celebrations, election fever, and encounters with mysterious village characters.
What makes this collection particularly compelling is its child-centered perspective. Many of the stories are told through the eyes of a child, immersing readers in the innocence, curiosity, and wonder that colour village life. Through this lens, readers are drawn into the eccentricities and quiet magic of a world that feels both distant and familiar.
While the historical context sets the stage, the cultural themes are timeless. Readers today whether Caribbean or global can still recognize these characters, traditions, and social dynamics. The village drunkard and maco, after all, still exist in communities everywhere. This dual sense of “a time that was” and “a time that still is” gives the collection its enduring power.Stylistically, Tales from the Village blends realism with a fairy-tale cadence, creating stories that feel grounded yet enchanted and deeply rooted in place while echoing universal human experiences.
Why This Project Matters
Arlene’s unwavering goal is to establish lifelong literacy and promote the culture of Trinidad and Tobago through creative writing, provocative exploratory narratives, and educational partnerships and leadership. Her work does more than entertain, it preserves memory, affirms identity, and invites readers to see themselves reflected in literature.
This mission aligns perfectly with the vision of the Write for the Future Grant, which seeks to invest in stories that will shape cultural conversations for generations to come.
Looking Ahead
Books by LR is honoured to support Arlene as she brings Tales from the Village to life. We believe this project will not only enrich Caribbean literature but also serve as a powerful bridge between generations—connecting elders’ memories with young readers’ imaginations.
Please join us in congratulating Arlene, the 2026 Write for the Future Grant recipient. We look forward to sharing more updates as her literary journey continues and this remarkable collection takes shape.
Books by Latoyaa Roberts 