Eire
The work and links we develop with Jamaican and Caribbean Poets in Eire will not be part of the 'Creative Collaboration' funded project - but in terms of Jamaica and British Caribbean - their Irish links are with the island of Ireland and not including Eire doesnt make sense.
Lorna Goodison: https://www.irlandeses.org/0711tewfik1.htm
That Irish is Jamaica’s second-most predominant ethnicity may come as a surprise, especially to those outside the country. It all started in 1655 when the British failed in their efforts to claim Santo Domingo from the Spaniards and took Jamaica as a consolation prize.
Of course, the British also had been quite active in Ireland, where, between 1641 and 1652, about half the population had been wiped out. War, famine, and plague played roles in this decline.
https://www.irishamerica.com/2018/05/slainte-mon-the-irish-of-jamaica-2/
In the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica, during the year of 1900-1929 there were two poets whose work truly stood out and made a statement. Those poets were Thomas Redcam (1870-1933) and Claude McKay (1878-1972). Thomas Redcam was a Jamaican poet who came from Irish ancestry. Throughout his life he promoted Jamaican literature and was a notable poet. He was seen as helpful and encouragement to younger poets during that time period including Claude McKay. Both poets had such a love for their country and made it clear in their poems. They spoke about the beauty of Jamaica, how through thick and thin Jamaica would always be their heart and homeland.
https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Jamaican-Poets-PK8K5Y83D6TS
