Ian McDonald (Guyanese writer)

Ian McDonald (born 1933) is a Guyanese writer, poet, novelist, and editor. He is considered one of the most significant literary figures of the Caribbean region.

Born in Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, McDonald was educated at Queens Royal College, Trinidad and at Cambridge University, where he studied History. After university, he moved to Guyana and worked for the sugar industry for many years, eventually becoming chairman of the Guysuco (Guyana Sugar Corporation).

McDonald's writing explores themes of colonialism, identity, history, and the natural world, often within the context of Guyana and the wider Caribbean. He is known for his evocative language and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

His published works include:

• The Humming-Bird Tree (1969), a coming-of-age novel set in Trinidad.
• Numerous collections of poetry, including Mercy Ward (1988) and Essequibo (2009).
• Between Silence and Silence: Selected Poems (2003)
• He has also written extensively on the sport of cricket.

McDonald has received numerous awards and accolades for his literary contributions, solidifying his place as a major voice in Caribbean literature. He is also a regular columnist for the Stabroek News in Guyana. He continues to be an influential figure in Guyanese cultural life.