Guyana Prize for Literature celebrates literary excellence with awards ceremony

The Guyana Prize for Literature Awards returned in grand fashion on Friday evening, with a formal yet intimate ceremony hosted at the Pegasus Corporate Building in Kingston, Georgetown. The evening marked not only a celebration of literary talent but also the Prize’s continued evolution since its revival in 2023.

In a light-hearted moment, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who delivered remarks during the event, joked that the ceremony had “set another record by finishing before 10:30 p.m.”

Originally established in 1987 by the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Prize for Literature was created to recognise and reward outstanding literary talent among Guyanese writers, both local and abroad. After several years of inactivity — including an unawarded call for entries in 2017 — the Prize has been revamped to include more inclusive categories, an annual schedule, and electronic submissions, making participation more accessible to a wider range of writers.

Spotlight on the Junior Categories
In the Junior Poetry and Short Story segments, the judges noted a mix of raw talent and emerging literary voices. While some poems lacked refinement — displaying clichés, forced metaphors, or limited use of literary devices — the panel encouraged young poets to write shorter, more focused pieces, particularly those influenced by spoken word.

Junior Poetry Winners:
1st: Jessica Persaud – Aphrodite
2nd: Jenatta Holder – Pink Heart Girl
3rd: Mortimer Duke – Born to Live, First to Die

In Junior Short Story, judges praised the authors’ ability to evoke character and emotion within a limited word count. Themes ranged from folklore and social alienation to religion and childhood trauma, though many relied too heavily on familiar tropes.

Junior Short Story Winners:
Best Story: Janae Bristol – Life Is a Coconut Tree
2nd Prize: Italy Ton-Chung – De Backdam Life
3rd Prize: Jessica Persaud – The Stranger I Became

The judges urged more junior entries in future years and called for nationwide awareness of the Prize in all regions. “To be a writer, you must write,” the panel reminded, especially in an age where technology, including AI, can mimic — but not replace — the human voice.

Senior Categories Show Growing Diversity

Fiction
Submissions ranged from debut works to moralistic texts. Judges emphasised the need for stronger plotting, distinct narrative voices, and more refined storytelling.

Winners – Fiction:
Best Book: Oonya Kempadoo – Nanki
2nd Prize: David Dabydeen – Sweet Li Jie
3rd Prize: Berkley Semple – Kipling Plass
Best First Book: Berkley Semple – Kipling Plass
Special Prize for Young Adult Fiction: Abigail Persaud-Cheddie – Ixora Mara, Sourhouse

Senior Poetry
Judges remarked on the lack of refinement in several entries but celebrated the potential of new and emerging poets.

Winners – Senior Poetry:
1st Prize: Jessica Persaud – Aphrodite
2nd Prize: Jenatta Holder – Pink Heart Girl
3rd Prize: Mortimer Duke – Born to Live, Forced to Die

Writers were encouraged to continue developing their voices, seek workshops, and embrace feedback.

Drama
The drama submissions explored themes such as domestic violence, interracial trauma, and social realism. Judges noted a tendency towards stereotypical characters and urged playwrights to allow audiences space for reflection and credibly earned dramatic conclusions.

Winners – Drama:
Best Full-Length Play: Kenneth Puddicombe – The Last Straw
2nd Prize: Darren McAlmont – Ole House Pon’ Ole House
3rd Prize: Keon Heywood – Guyana Legend: The Journey to El Dorado

Non-Fiction
As a relatively new category, the judges celebrated the enthusiasm of entrants and encouraged more narrative clarity and a stronger focus on storytelling structure.

Winners – Non-Fiction:
Best Book: Kenneth Puddicombe – Pages From a Notebook: Slices of Life Along the Road to Writing
2nd Prize: Daniella Chase – Becoming Bolder With Every Step
3rd Prize: Baytoram Ramharack – One, One Dutty Build a Village in Guyana
Honourable Mention: Tazenia Joseph – My Wish to Explore Guyana

Historic Milestone for Kenneth Puddicombe
The night marked a historic achievement for Kenneth Puddicombe, who became the first person to win the Guyana Prize in three categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Drama. Excerpts from the first-place winners’ work were performed at the ceremony by members of the National Drama Company and Kreative Arts.

As the Guyana Prize for Literature approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027, the ceremony served as a renewed call to writers — young and old, emerging and established — to keep the flame of Guyanese storytelling burning bright.