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 CategoriesIn 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 – Aphrodite2nd: Jenatta Holder – Pink Heart Girl3rd: Mortimer Duke – Born to Live, First to DieIn 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 Tree2nd Prize: Italy Ton-Chung – De Backdam Life3rd Prize: Jessica Persaud – The Stranger I BecameThe 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 DiversityFictionSubmissions 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 – Nanki2nd Prize: David Dabydeen – Sweet Li Jie3rd Prize: Berkley Semple – Kipling PlassBest First Book: Berkley Semple – Kipling PlassSpecial Prize for Young Adult Fiction: Abigail Persaud-Cheddie – Ixora Mara, SourhouseSenior PoetryJudges 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 – Aphrodite2nd Prize: Jenatta Holder – Pink Heart Girl3rd Prize: Mortimer Duke – Born to Live, Forced to DieWriters were encouraged to continue developing their voices, seek workshops, and embrace feedback.DramaThe 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 Straw2nd Prize: Darren McAlmont – Ole House Pon’ Ole House3rd Prize: Keon Heywood – Guyana Legend: The Journey to El DoradoNon-FictionAs 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 Writing2nd Prize: Daniella Chase – Becoming Bolder With Every Step3rd Prize: Baytoram Ramharack – One, One Dutty Build a Village in GuyanaHonourable Mention: Tazenia Joseph – My Wish to Explore GuyanaHistoric Milestone for Kenneth PuddicombeThe 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.The post Guyana Prize for Literature celebrates literary excellence with awards ceremony appeared first on News Room Guyana.