Velma Earle Pollard

Dr. Velma Earle Pollard was a distinguished Jamaican language educator, poet, and author, known for her significant contributions to the study of Creole languages and Caribbean literature. Born in 1937, she dedicated her academic career to understanding and promoting the value of Jamaican language in education, and she published numerous works including poetry anthologies and research monographs. Her literary influence and scholarship have left a lasting impact on the field of linguistics in the Caribbean. Pollard's sudden passing on February 1, 2023, prompted a service of thanksgiving to honor her life and contributions.