No first prize in this year’s Literary Competition

While submissions to the island’s premier literary contest included a range of interesting pieces, outgoing Chairman of the Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Committee, Antonio “Boo” Rudder, noted that the content of work in the individual entries lacked consistency of standard.

“Hence, reading became a labour of duty not love,” said Rudder, as he delivered a candid judge’s report during the 20th Annual Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Awards, on Saturday night.

“Critical analysis of work in a competition such as this must be undertaken with care and sensitivity, but it must be understood and appreciated that the committee’s commitment to excellence demands honest evaluation that may irritate sensitive egos.”

This year’s Frank Collymore Literary Competition received 62 entries, however, disappointingly, the judges felt unable to award a first prize.

Second prize went to Heather Barker’s impressive story “The Plundering”; while Sonia Williams intriguing collection of poems “Her Bald Head Luminous” placed third.
“Getting Back at Jack Taylor” by Shakirah Bourne won the Prime Minister’s Award.

Recognising the competition’s milestone, Rudder expressed that over the past 20 years, judges have enjoyed the privilege of reading the works of some of Barbados’ better writers.

“Those experiences gave rise to a range of emotions – from the highs of exhilaration and admiration for marvellous storytelling and excellent writing, to the frustration of having witnessed the wastage of brilliant ideas as a result of poor writing, compounded by the absence of the saving grace of good editing,” he indicated.

“The rush to print and publish remains the greatest danger that writers face in an age where all the technological tools are available for safe destruction.”

Within recent years, the committee as part of its duty of care to aspiring writers and the development of a core of standards, has been conducting workshops to enhance the work of authors.

Rudder also reported that these workshops have been useful according to the feedback they have received. (TL)