Antigua and Barbuda’s Youth Win with Wadadli Pen

Celebrating and nurturing the literary arts in Antigua and Barbuda since 2004, the Wadadli Youth Pen Prize is more than just a writing competition.

2004 best under twelve writer and third top writer overall, Verdanci Benta with coordinator Joanne C. Hillhouse. Benta showed up as a finalist again in 2005 and 2006; and was the winner in her age group in the 2006 Independence Literary competition. (Photo by Colin James)

It brings together a youth publication, Young Explorer, and two writers: judge D. Gisele Isaac (Considering Venus, The Sweetest Mango, and No Seed) and coordinator Joanne C. Hillhouse (The Boy from Willow Bend, On Becoming, and Dancing Nude in the Moonlight).

In addition to the annual competition for writers 18 years old and younger, there have been writing workshops, annual publication (as well as recording for radio broadcast) of winning stories, and opportunities for participation in events ranging from the Word Up! literary showcase to the Best of Books housewarming/literary night, both in 2006.

First Wadadli Pen winner, Gemma George receives her computer, printer and accessories from Comnett boss Gerard Shoul.
 (Photo by Joanne C. Hillhouse)

2005 Wadadli Pen winner, Sandrena Martin, performing in 2006 literary showcase Word Up! (Photo by Laura Hall)

The major focus is, however, the annual fiction writing competition; which is open to any genre but must reflect a Caribbean sensibility. In addition to getting the opportunity to share their work and to explore the issues that are important to them while developing their writing skills, the young scribes also have the opportunity to win really great prizes.

We encourage full participation by all Wadadli youths; we encourage teachers, parents, and youth leaders to get their charges involved in the competition; and, of course, we welcome all contributions to this effort to encourage youth creativity.

2006 winners, back row from left: Angelica O’Donoghue – overall winner, Rilys Adams – 1st runner up, Blair A. Rose – hon. Mention; Front row from left Verdanci Benta – hon. Mention and Rosalie Richards – 2nd runner up.
(Photo by Douglas Allen)

For more on the competition and its winning writers, Antigua and Barbuda’s literary history, friends, partners, rules and submission guidelines, contact information, and more email wadadlipen@yahoo.com