MVO Creative Writing Competition Unveils Literary Champions at AFW LitFest
The culmination of creativity and storytelling prowess took center stage during the Allioguana Festival of the Word (AFW) LitFest, where the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) revealed the winners of the 2023 MVO Creative Writing Competition. Dr. Graham Ryan, Director of MVO, presented the accolades to the talented storytellers.
The competition, themed “Erupting Imagination”, invited writers of all ages to explore the island’s volcanic history, weaving it into legends, historical events, and local anecdotes while emphasizing the significance of raising awareness about volcanic risks, using the imagery of the four Montserrat Community Murals commissioned by the MVO through the Curating Crises Project.
2023 MVO Creative Witting Competition Winners and Runner Ups
Category: Grade 1&2
Winner: Kamu Thomas
Runner up: Tae’ Rya Darroux
Category: Grade 3&4
Winner: Jenice Skerritt
Runner up: Elias Chambers
Category: Grades 5&6
Winner: Anika Rodney-
Runner up (Tie): Ocean Forrester & A’zariah Patterson
Category: MSS
Winner: Shekinah Persaud
Runner up: Aiden Corbett
Adult Category
Winner: Orletta 0’Donoghue
Runner up: Tazia Darroux
The MVO, the driving force behind this annual literary event, holds the competition with a twofold goal: to nurture creativity and to raise awareness about volcanic and geo-hazards risks. By incorporating the community murals theme into this year’s competition, participants showcased their storytelling prowess not only through exploring our history and culture but also contributed to a crucial dialogue about the island’s resilience and preparedness.
Beyond the literary accolades, the competition stands as a beacon for raising awareness. Montserrat, with its rich volcanic history, recognizes the importance of preparing for potential risks. The MVO remains committed to fostering a community that not only embraces creativity but is also vigilant and prepared.
The MVO extends its sincere thank you to all entrants who brought their unique perspectives to this year’s competition, making it a celebration of Montserrat’s vibrant literary landscape. As they reflect on the achievements of this year, the MVO invites aspiring writers to anticipate next year’s competition, where fresh themes and challenges will unfold.
