The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

PEOPLE who have a passion for story telling and writing poetry are encouraged to participate in the Commonwealth Writers of the Bahamas ninth annual Short Story/Poetry competition launched this month.

The competition was started by the group in 2005 to help young people hone their writing skills.

Commonwealth Writers of the Bahamas is a non-profit organisation whose vision is to reach The Bahamas and the world through the written word and ensure that all its members who are interested in becoming published authors or have a career in writing receive the basic skills.

"We are expecting participants, particularly students to hone their writing skills creating, stories that will stimulate the readers and please the judges," said Vera Chase, president of the Commonwealth Writers of the Bahamas group. The entries will be judged by members at the Ministry of Education.

"The Commonwealth Writers of the Bahamas have international connections with Commonwealth Writers in the UK and the Caribbean International Writers Association 'Carib Lit". These are professional writing organisations therefore, it is important for writers in our country to stay on par by testing their skills in these writing competitions," she told Tribune Arts and Entertainment.

Ms Chase said the group receives a high level of participation annually, especially from students in the Family Islands schools and hopes the competition follows the same trend as last year.

"Over the past years we have had a good relationship and participation from various schools, mainly Hope Town Primary School, Xavier's Lower School, Oakes Field Primary, Nicholl's Town Primary, Orange Creek Primary in Cat Island, Governor's Harbour and Rock Sound Primary Schools, Eleuthera and Ragged Island All Age," she said.

"Participation in these competitions has many rewards. First it showcases students at the annual Writing Awards ceremony and reception. The winners and participants read their winning entries in front of a large audience. In the past, receptions were held at Government House, Atlantis, Paradise Island and recently at Melia, Nassau Beach Resort. Winners also participate and read at the entries at the Storytellers Convention," she said.

The convention is hosted each year so that students can learn more about the culture of The Bahamas.

The competition is open to all and those interested in submitting work should email commonwealthwriters@yahoo.com.