By Neil Armstrong

Canute Lawrence, a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) teacher and author, is not easily fazed by disappointments and recently demonstrated the truism that “when one door closes another opens.”

A day after plans changed for an event in Jamaica that he was looking forward to attending and perform his poetry, Lawrence received news that his book, “Pathology of a Pandemic: a collection of poems”, was among six selected in the poetry category, out of a total of 90 entries, for an International Impact Book Award.

“That email kind of vindicated me and just said, you know Canute, when you get disappointments, don’t be bitter because something better is going to come. That’s the lesson I learnt.” 

Having taught for more than three decades in the public-school systems in Jamaica, the United States of America, and Canada, Lawrence drew from his experience and those of friends of friends living during the COVID-19 pandemic to pen the book which was published in 2021.

Lawrence will be honoured at a reception and VIP Awards Gala held in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 22, 2025.

“This award was significant. When I read their mission statement, they select works that they feel make a significant impact on the world and bring about change,” he said.

Lawrence is already thinking of what to include in his 60-90-second speech.

“I have to prepare a speech that will make a significant impact,” emphasized the alumnus of Wolmer’s Boys’ School and The Mico Teachers College, now known as The Mico University College, in Kingston, Jamaica. He was also known nationally as an actor in several pantomimes of The Little Theatre Movement National Pantomime Company and performed in other plays.

He plans to maintain his excitement leading up to the ceremony. “It’s going to keep me focused — all my friends have said Canute, your book is powerful, and that’s nice to hear.  I know that the poems are very strong. But it is also really the icing on the cake when you hear from an outside source — people who don’t know you — that your book is really good. It’s a good way to say we see you; we recognize you, and just getting that award, that’s what it does.”

The International Impact Book Awards is a premier award program dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the exceptional work of authors around the globe.

“Our program goes beyond awarding authors for their dedication – it is a lifelong community committed to the growth and success of authors as a whole,” notes the organizers on their website.

They said they understand the dedication and passion writers invest in crafting their book, whether fictitious, inspiring, evidence-based, or scientific. “Our mission is to honor your hard work and ensure your book receives the recognition and media attention it truly deserves.

Organizers said winning an award is more than an accolade – it is a testament to the quality and significance of the writer’s work.

“The International Impact Book Award signals to readers and media professionals that your work stands out in a crowded literary landscape. We firmly believe that every book deserves the opportunity to be recognized and assessed based on criteria such as content, quality, writing style, and presentation,” they said.

Lawrence has appeared in, and directed several theatre productions in Jamaica, New York City, and Toronto.

Currently living in Toronto, Canada, whenever he is not teaching and writing Lawrence enjoys great cuisine, the arts, reading, and travelling.

He has also mentored aspiring writers in The Art of Writing Techniques program held monthly at Blackhurst Cultural Centre in Toronto — a place where he has performed poems from his collection.