SOURCE: NEWSSOURCEENERGY

Guyana Prize for Literature returns after six-year absence

With a number of new categories and rules added, the Culture Ministry is hoping that the return of the prize will foster and improve the rich Guyanese literature and talent locally and internationally.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has announced the return of the Guyana Prize for Literature after an absence of more than six years.

With a number of new categories and rules added, the Culture Ministry is hoping that the return of the prize will foster and improve the rich Guyanese literature and talent locally and internationally.  

At the relaunching, Culture, Youth, and Sports Minister, Charles Ramson said the Guyana Prize for Literature has been revitalised to better share the rich cultural heritage and way of life of Guyanese through story-telling and literature.

“Most of the people who are connected to writing, drama, and poetry etc….do not have a next stage and progressive kind of opportunity for them to get their works published and for them to be recognised in Guyana for the works that they are doing in this creative space”, he said.

The Guyana Prize for Literature was started under late President Desmond Hoyte and the PNC Government.

It continued over the years at different periods, but became non-existent under the last APNU+AFC Government.

This year’s prize has been expanded to include a prize for non-fiction works and manuscripts. Additionally, those making submissions will be able to do so electronically and not with manual scripts as was done in the past.

Technical Officer at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ruel Johnson who is a former winner of the Guyana Prize said there are a number of developmental aspects that have been added to the prize including a literary festival and training programmes.

Johnson who also worked under the previous Government as a Cultural Advisor had repeatedly called for the return of the prize, since he credited it with his own growth in writing.