The announcement was made during the programme’s annual regional meeting, held in Lima and Cusco, Peru. The Walcott Library was one of 29 successful entries selected from 71 nominations submitted by 15 countries.

The Memory of the World Programme focuses on preserving documentary heritage that may be at risk of deterioration or loss. The inscription acknowledges the significance of the personal library of Sir Derek Alton Walcott, which contains books he authored, titles he received, and materials reflecting his engagement with Caribbean and international literature, art and culture.

The collection, which includes Walcott’s original bookshelves and personal holdings, was donated to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in 2020 by Sigrid Nama.

The Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO also recognised Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, Head Librarian of the Hunter J. François Library, who now serves as Vice President of the Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Commission stated that the inscription reaffirms the importance of the Derek Walcott Library and the preservation of its documentary heritage for the region.