Arif Ali, the esteemed founder of Hansib Publications, has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Caribbean culture, history, and literature. Recognised for this remarkable contribution, Ali has been named the recipient of the 2024 Bocas Henry Swanzy Award for Distinguished Service to Caribbean Letters.
Born in Danielstown, British Guiana (now Guyana) in 1935, Ali moved to London in 1957 with aspirations of studying economics. However, his journey took a transformative turn when he began publishing articles from Caribbean newspapers on a Gestetner printing machine. This modest beginning led to the creation of The Westindian, a publication that gained popularity within the diaspora and ignited Ali’s passion for publishing.
In 1970, Ali established Hansib Publications, named in honour of his parents, Haniff and Sibby. Determined to provide a platform for West Indian voices, Ali used his publishing house to amplify Caribbean stories and achievements, often overlooked by mainstream media. His dedication was evident from Hansib’s first book, Westindians in Britain (1973), a significant “Who’s Who” that celebrated the contributions of Caribbean migrants. This publication’s success set the stage for Hansib’s continued expansion into books across various genres.
Over the decades, Hansib has built a substantial catalogue of over 300 titles, featuring renowned Caribbean authors such as Frank Birbalsingh, Brinsley Samaroo, Patricia Mohammed, Ian McDonald, and Jan Carew, as well as emerging literary talents like Joanne C. Hillhouse and Anna Levi.
Now retired from the day-to-day operations of Hansib, Ali remains deeply involved in the publishing house’s mission — to ensure Caribbean voices are heard, celebrated, and accessible to audiences both regionally and across the diaspora.
Ali’s remarkable achievements will be formally celebrated on 27 April 2024 at the NGC Bocas Lit Fest prize ceremony, with a special event in London later in the year to present the award.
His enduring impact stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, cultural pride, and unwavering dedication to the Caribbean literary landscape.