26/02/2026
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend, founding member and President of the Poetry Society of Jamaica, Tommy Ricketts. This news is strange to know and stranger still to repeat.
Tommy was the youngest member of then-dub poetry group Poets in Unity whose members formed the Poetry Society in 1989 and for close to 40 years, he championed its work, cultivating a space for writers to share, be challenged, be heard and to grow.
He insisted we test our limits as writers, that we bring the best of ourselves to the page and to the amphitheatre stage. It was a work he took on wholeheartedly and with sacrifice, playing an important role in the growth of writers and writing on the Jamaican landscape. For close to 40 years he ensured the Edna Manley College amphitheatre was lit with poems on the last Tuesday of each month.
Tommy wore many hats. He was a poet first and in everything. He was also an actor, a musician, singer, voice actor, filmmaker, director, producer and visual artist. (Our signature surealist flyers are all designed by him.) He loved life, insisted on living out loud and encouraged others to do the same. We are gutted at the news of his passing and send our love and sympathies to his family, friends and all whose lives he has impacted. We are also immensely grateful to have shared in his friendship and witnessed his vision.
As we gather ourselves we will say more about how we honour him. For now, we thank you for your kindness as we navigate this loss and invite you to celebrate him by sharing a memorable moment from Poetry Fellowship. Love and blessings..📚
