By Belize Live News Staff: Rowland Anthony Parks, a distinguished figure in Belizean literature and journalism, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Zee Edgell Literary Arts Award. The 68-year-old poet and former photojournalist for the Amandala newspaper will be honored at a ceremony at the House of Culture on Wednesday, September 4th.
The award, presented by Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education and Culture, recognizes Parks’ contributions to Belizean literature and his dedication to capturing the nation’s stories through his words and images.
Parks, who was “absolutely surprised” by the selection, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. His journey in the world of words began in the 1970s with the publication of two volumes of “Anthology of Belizean Poetry.” However, it was his co-authorship of “Poems of Passion, Patriotism and Protest” with Evan X Hyde and Richard “Dickie” Bradley that solidified his place as a prominent Belizean poet.
Parks’ career also included a long stint as a photojournalist for the Amandala, during which he documented key moments in Belize’s history, including the independence celebrations. His passion for storytelling led him to study journalism at Baruch College in New York, where he adopted the pen name “Lamine Lasana,” meaning “honest poet.”
Despite facing challenges, including a diagnosis of advanced glaucoma in 2020, Parks remains committed to his craft. He has adapted his computer to continue writing, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the literary arts.
Parks, a proud father of two daughters who have also embraced writing, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of Belizean literature. His selection for the Zee Edgell Literary Arts Award is a fitting tribute to his career and his ongoing contributions to the cultural landscape of Belize.
