A publication celebrating the life and work of renowned Caribbean historian Bridget Brereton has received international recognition after earning a Silver Award in the History (Adult Nonfiction) category of the 28th annual Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
According to The University of the West Indies (UWI) Press, the book, “History Matters: Reassembling the Fragments of a Contested Past – In Honour of Bridget Brereton”, was recognized for its contribution to historical scholarship. The volume was edited by UWI academics Dr. Heather Cateau, Dr. Rita Pemberton and Dr. Ronald Noel.
The UWI said that the collection honors Brereton’s lasting influence on Caribbean history and features essays examining the region’s economic, social, political and cultural development. UWI Press said the publication reflects Brereton’s commitment to presenting history with balance while acknowledging its complexity.
The winners of this year’s awards were announced earlier this month by Foreword Reviews, a publication dedicated to reviewing independently published books. The annual INDIES Book of the Year Awards recognize outstanding titles released in 2025 by small, independent and university presses.
Welcoming the achievement, UWI Press Managing Director Christine Randle said the award is especially meaningful because of the person the book celebrates.
“This honour carries special significance, as History Matters pays tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Bridget Brereton, one of the Caribbean’s most distinguished historians. We are delighted that the book has received international recognition from Foreword Reviews and extend heartfelt congratulations to the editors and contributors. This achievement highlights the global importance of Caribbean scholarship and reinforces the value of safeguarding and exploring our collective past.”
Foreword Reviews Editor-in-Chief Michelle Schingler said selecting this year’s winners was particularly challenging because of the growing number and diversity of submissions.
“Each year, as our number of entrants increases and diversifies, the task of narrowing each genre category to a select few finalists gets harder. But that also makes the judges’ ultimate selections all the more exciting. We so look forward to their final choices, and we are proud to celebrate this year’s exemplary slate of winners.”
