Dawes also plans to establish a Caribbean Poetry imprint to publish works by regional poets, drawing from his successful experience promoting over 200 African poets.

The official investiture ceremony for Dawes was held on February 21, 2025, at King’s House, where he received the official sash and pin from Custos Rotulorum for Kingston, Steadman Fuller.

He envisions creating a Poets House, a dedicated space for the preservation and celebration of poetry in Jamaica, akin to similar institutions in the UK and USA.

To cultivate a love for poetry among the youth, Dawes intends to leverage social media to connect with them in ways that resonate with their interests.

Professor Kwame Dawes has been appointed as Jamaica's Poet Laureate for the term spanning 2025 to 2028, with a mission to celebrate and promote poetry throughout the island.

This initiative is supported by the Poet Laureate of Jamaica Programme, which is directed by the National Library of Jamaica in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

To enhance his efforts, Dawes has assembled a 12-member support team tasked with designing a series of events aimed at preserving the legacy of Jamaican poetry and increasing its accessibility.

One of his key initiatives includes launching a weekly poem series to celebrate Jamaican poetry and engage a wider audience.

He emphasizes the necessity of providing aspiring poets with platforms and resources for growth and expression, regardless of their professional aspirations.

Dawes's appointment has garnered praise from former Poet Laureate Olive Senior, who looks forward to new and exciting developments in Jamaican poetry under his guidance.

A prolific author, Dawes has published over 30 poetry books and has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2022.

Dawes aims to build upon the work of his predecessors, including Olive Senior, Lorna Goodison, and Mervyn Morris, by integrating their ideas into his plans for poetry promotion.