TT writers in line for Burt literary prize

The award, which recognises outstanding writing for young adults by Caribbean authors, is in its fourth year, but it is the first time that two Trinidadian writers have been included in the final line-up. They were competing with 35 other hopeful writers from nine Caribbean countries who submitted both published books and unpublished manuscripts.

Agostini’s manuscript is titled Waiting for the Bus and Hosein’s is The Beast of Kukuyo. The third finalist is Viviana Prado-Nunez of Puerto Rico for the self-published book, The Art of White Roses.

Up to Can$22,000 in prize money will be awarded to the three finalists, and their ranking will be revealed on April 26 at the opening- night celebration of the 2017 NGC Bocas Lit Fest. In addition to the cash prize, winners benefit from a publishing deal with a regional publisher, and CODE guarantees the purchase of 2,500 copies of each of the three new titles, which will be distributed to hundreds of schools, libraries, and community organisations across the Caribbean next year through a network of local partners.

With the forthcoming distribution of the 2016 winning titles, CODE will have shared over 22,000 award-winning books with readers in 11 Caribbean countries.

Working with the Bocas Lit Fest, CODE offers further support for writing, publishing, promotion, and teaching young adult literature by sponsoring professional training and public events where Burt Award-winning authors can meet and inspire young readers and writers.

CODE executive director Scott Walter said in a media release, “One of the unique features of the Burt Award is that CODE ensures young readers have access to the winning titles. We are thrilled not only to celebrate our three nominated authors but also by the prospect of bringing their stories into the world and connecting them with Caribbean youth.” Announcing the finalists at the media launch of the seventh NGC Bocas Lit Fest, founder and director Marina Salandy-Brown pointed out that this award not only rewards the writers, it also directly supports the Caribbean publishing sector through the unique guaranteed purchase and distribution of the winning books. “This makes all the difference to small independent publishers in our region and allows them to raise their standards.” Entries were judged by an international jury administered by the Bocas Lit Fest and made up of writing, publishing and educational professionals with expertise in young adult literature.

Chair of the judging panel, US literary agent Barry Goldblatt, will lead a workshop in writing for young adults during the festival, which runs from April 16 to 30 .

The Burt Award for Caribbean Literature is a global readership initiative established by CODE with the generous support of Canadian philanthropist William (Bill) Burt and the Literary Prizes Foundation.

Established in Tanzania in 2008, the award is now offered in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Canada and the Caribbean.

For more info on CODE’s Burt Award for Caribbean Literature: www.codecan.ngo/ burt-award-caribbean or www.bocaslitfest.com