CANCER SURVIVOR TURNS LITERARY ICON

 

Trinidad banker's near-death experience sparks remarkable transformation into award-winning author with 65 published books across five continents.

NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) The hospital room was sterile white, and the prognosis was grim. Brenda Mohammed, a successful Commercial Credit Manager at Republic Bank Limited in Trinidad and Tobago, faced the fight of her life against cancer. In that moment of profound vulnerability, something extraordinary happened, not just survival, but a complete reinvention that would transform her from a banking executive into one of the Caribbean's most prolific and celebrated authors.

"I realized that life is precious and fragile," Mohammed reflects on that pivotal period. "I had stories to tell, and I couldn't waste another moment not sharing them with the world."

What emerged from that hospital bed was not just a survivor, but a literary powerhouse who would go on to publish 65 books spanning multiple genres, earn international recognition across five continents, and inspire thousands of aspiring writers through her advocacy work.

From Boardroom to Bookshelf

Mohammed's journey to literary prominence was anything but conventional. Before her life-altering health battle, she had already established herself as a trailblazing figure in Trinidad and Tobago's financial sector. Rising from bank clerk to Commercial Credit Manager at Republic Bank Limited, she demonstrated the same visionary thinking that would later define her literary career.

Her impact extended beyond traditional banking. Mohammed's innovative approach to community development helped transform rural areas into thriving economic centers, contributing significantly to Trinidad and Tobago's broader economic growth. She later transitioned to insurance, where her excellence earned her the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table qualification six times and a Life Underwriting Fellowship from the American College in the United States.

But it was her brush with mortality that unlocked her true calling. Her memoir "I Am Cancer Free" became not just a bestselling account of survival, but a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles. The book's success marked the beginning of an unprecedented literary career that would span genres from science fiction to children's literature.

Building a Literary Empire

What sets Mohammed apart in the crowded literary landscape is not just her prolific output, but the breadth and quality of her work. Her 65 published books encompass memoirs, science fiction, romance, mystery, self-help, children's literature, Christian writing, and poetry, a range that demonstrates remarkable versatility and storytelling mastery.

Her acclaimed science fiction thriller "Zeeka Chronicles" garnered particular attention, earning adaptation into a five-part screenplay for film or television. This crossover into visual media showcases Mohammed's ability to craft narratives that transcend traditional publishing boundaries, connecting her to the global film and television community through platforms like Stage 32.

The accolades have been numerous and international in scope. Mohammed has received Reader's Favorite International Awards for both "Zeeka Chronicles" and "I Am Cancer Free," while her memoir "My Life as a Banker" earned second prize for Best Memoir in the Metamorph Publishing Awards in the United States. Her "Stories People Love" and "How to Write for Success" both received Gold Medals in Connection Emagazine Readers' Choice Awards.

Global Recognition and Leadership

Mohammed's influence extends far beyond individual literary achievements. As the founder of the How to Write for Success Literary Network, she has created a platform that empowers writers worldwide through anthologies, magazines, and mentorship programs. Her self-help book "How to Write for Success" was praised in the Ethiopian Herald as "a comprehensive toolkit for writers, critics, and editors."

Her leadership roles reflect her commitment to elevating the literary community globally. Serving as National President for Trinidad and Tobago of the Camara International Writers and Artists (CIESART) with headquarters in Spain, and as Peace Ambassador for the Iqra Foundation in India, Mohammed bridges cultures and continents through her literary advocacy.

The recognition from CIESART Spain has been particularly notable, with Mohammed receiving numerous prestigious awards, including the Plato Award, Socrates Award, and Dante Alighieri Award. Her Barry Holmes Mysteries series earned both the CLR Award from India and recognition from CIESART Spain, while also becoming a finalist in the Independent Author Awards 2024.

Adding to her impressive list of achievements, Mohammed has been nominated by CIESART International for the Woman of the Year Award 2025, with the winner to be announced at a gala in Spain this December.

Beyond Literature: Humanitarian Impact

Mohammed's influence transcends literary boundaries. Her advocacy work addresses critical social issues, including peace promotion, anti-domestic violence initiatives, anti-human trafficking efforts, anti-drug addiction programs, and suicide prevention. This humanitarian commitment adds depth to her literary mission, demonstrating how storytelling can be a force for positive social change.

Her international recognition spans five continents, reflecting not just literary achievement but a broader impact on global communities. Through her various roles and initiatives, Mohammed has built bridges between cultures while maintaining her roots in Trinidad and Tobago's vibrant literary tradition.

The breadth of Mohammed's work, from banking innovation to literary creation to humanitarian advocacy, illustrates a life dedicated to transformation and empowerment. Her journey from cancer patient to literary icon serves as inspiration for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

If you're seeking inspiration for your own creative journey or looking to connect with a literary community that spans continents, Brenda Mohammed's story proves that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Her network continues to nurture emerging writers while her established works offer both entertainment and guidance for readers worldwide.

About Brenda Mohammed

Brenda Mohammed is a multi-award-winning author, poet, and literary advocate from Trinidad and Tobago with 65 published books spanning multiple genres. A former banking executive turned literary icon, she founded the How to Write for Success Literary Network and serves as National President for Trinidad and Tobago of CIESART Spain. Connect with her through her Amazon author page or follow her journey on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

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TRINIDADIAN AUTHOR RECEIVED CIESART INTERNATIONAL SOCRATES AWARD

 

TRINIDADIAN AUTHOR BRENDA MOHAMMED RECEIVED THE SOCRATES  PRIZE FROM CIESART INTERNATIONAL

I am proud to receive the Socrates Prize from CIESART INTERNATIONAL, a distinction that will be duly placed in the legal records of their institution and one that recognizes institutional loyalty, integrity, and genuine commitment to education, the promotion of literature, peace, and the union of nations.
CIESART International is committed to recognizing and rewarding authentic dedication. With the International Socrates Prize, all awardees will participate in a special draw that will award to;
Five (05) Official CIESART International Members will receive full coverage of accommodation, travel, and food to attend the CIESART International Summit, which will be held from 4-8 December 2025. ( All Gala Dinners, Foods, Cocktails, and Travel within Spain during the Summit, Shows, and general expenses). It does not include Airfare to Madrid from December 4 to 8.
All SOCRATES award-holders will have the Subsidy from CIESART of 50% of the previously mentioned expenses if they participate in the CIESART International Summit. UNION OF NATIONS 2025
With this initiative, CIESART reinforces the values that underpin their international mission and institutions, promoting and rewarding loyalty, excellence, and ethical commitment as fundamental pillars of institutional recognition.
Standing Committee of the International Chamber of Writers & Artists

REVIEW BY ECHOPOET OF A CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE WRITTEN BY BRENDA MOHAMMED

 

REVIEW OF POEM WRITTEN BY BRENDA MOHAMMED

Brenda Mohammed’s “A Caribbean Experience” reads as both a lyrical travelogue and a celebratory hymn to the islands of the Caribbean. The poem merges geographic precision with personal reflection, inviting readers into a landscape where natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and lived memory converge.
The poem is organized in stanzas that function like a guidebook itinerary: each section highlights a different island, offering cultural notes, natural wonders, and personal impressions. This structural choice provides clarity and progression, moving readers across the Caribbean archipelago as though they are journeying alongside the poet. The use of rhyme, sometimes couplets, sometimes looser patterns, gives the piece a songlike rhythm that mirrors both the celebratory tone and the musical traditions of the Caribbean itself.
The poem’s opening establishes a contrast between “dreaming of travelling” and “nationals who are born and live there.” This contrast situates the work between the tourist’s gaze and the insider’s perspective, acknowledging both the allure of the Caribbean to outsiders and the authenticity of those who call it home.
Each island receives its own portrait:
Trinidad and Tobago is a hub of culture, carnival, and connection.
Saint Lucia with volcanic healing springs and the iconic Pitons.
Barbados blends history, leisure, and natural beauty.
Anguilla is glamorous and exclusive, yet also serene.
Saint Maarten is painted vividly with the imagery of God’s hand.
Curacao, with its coral reefs and the iconic Queen Emma Bridge.
This cataloguing of islands reflects not only diversity within the Caribbean but also the poet’s lived familiarity with them. Personal experience also anchors the poem: the closing stanzas reveal that the poet has vacationed in these places.
Beyond description, the poem reflects the Caribbean as a place of intersection: geography, history, culture, tourism, and memory intertwine. In this sense, Mohammed’s poem contributes to a broader tradition of Caribbean writing that both celebrates the islands’ beauty and acknowledges their cultural richness. The choice to highlight tourism, airlines, resorts, and cruise ships reveals an awareness of how the Caribbean is globally perceived, yet the personal anecdotes remind us that it is more than an exoticized dreamscape: it is a lived reality.
Final Thoughts
“A Caribbean Experience” succeeds as both travel invitation and poetic celebration. It showcases Brenda Mohammed’s intimate knowledge of her region while capturing the allure that has made the Caribbean a place of dreams for so many. With its blend of information, imagery, and personal memory, the poem functions not only as a lyrical guidebook but also as a love letter to home.
Reviewer: Echopoet Editorial Board

CELEBRATING TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 63rd INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

 

CELEBRATING TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 63rd. INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

On the 31st. August 1962, the dual islands of Trinidad and Tobago celebrated their freedom.

63 years ago, they gained Independence from the United Kingdom.,

The history of Trinidad and Tobago is marked by cultural diversity.

The richness of its natural resources has given birth to a vibrant and dynamic country.

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The twin nations are among the largest and populous Caribbean islands.

Their prominence in the energy industry is reflected in the economic activity.

Known as the Land of the Hummingbird, cradle of calypso, and the pioneer of the steel band,

Tourists from around the world travel to revel in their spectacular carnival bands.

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The annual carnival is internationally known as the Greatest Show on Earth.

Trinidad’s Pitch Lake is commonly referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The pitch is exported globally for industrial use and road construction.

Tobago’s magnificent sandy beaches and blue waters are tourist attractions.

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Independence Day celebrations include official ceremonies and cultural performances.

There is a military parade and interfaith church services.

The President, on the advice of the Prime Minister, delivers National awards

They are given to exemplary citizens for meritorious service.

We pay tribute to Trinidad and Tobago, where every creed and race finds an equal place.

Brenda Mohammed

President – CIESART TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

NOMINATION FOR CIESART SEA CRISTAL AWARD FOR LITERATURE FOR TRINIDADIAN BRENDA MOHAMMED

 

BRENDA MOHAMMED OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO HAS BEEN NOMINATED BY CIESART SPAIN FOR THE MAR DE CRISTAL AWARD FOR LITERATURE.

CIESART celebrates the highest ideals of cultural brilliance and human impact at the prestigious International Glass Sea Excellence Award 2025.

An exclusive award function honoring visionaries, creators, and thought leaders whose work and legacy elevate humanity beyond borders awaits awardees in December 2025.

It will be a historic evening of distinction, recognition, and global screening.

The CIESART Organization, true to its mission to unite the world through culture, honors those who, through their work, transform realities, strengthen the union of nations, and preserve the cultural heritage of peoples.

Receiving an award at CIESART is more than a recognition.

It is a drive that leaves a mark, brings prestige, opens opportunities, and encourages continuous development, reaffirming the value of every effort and contribution.

I am grateful to CIESART SPAIN for this nomination