MVO Launches Creative Writing Competition to Capture True Volcano Experiences
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has officially launched the Creative Writing Competition 2025, inviting people of all ages to share true experiences of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. The competition is being held as part of the Alliouagana Festival of the Word (AFW LitFest) 2025, Montserrat’s annual literary celebration.
Under the theme “Untold Chapters”, the competition calls on participants to put into words real stories of the volcano—whether their own experiences, those of family members, or accounts passed down through the community. Through this competition, the MVO is encouraging the community to reflect on the many ways the volcano has shaped lives and stories over the past three decades.
Entries are open across multiple categories, from primary school students through to adults, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute their voice to Montserrat’s living history. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners in each category. Winning entries also celebrated as part of the AFW LitFest 2025 programme.
Categories and Word Limits:
- Grades 1–2: 100 words
- Grades 3–4: 200 words
- Grades 5-6: 300 words
- MSS (Forms 1–5): 1000 words
- MCC : 1500 words
- Adults: 800–1,000 words
Guidelines:
- Only one entry per person.
- Must be your original work.
- Must be a true account based on a person’s experience,
- Entries must not have been previously published.
- Participants must currently reside on Montserrat.
- Story must not exceed word limit of the category.
- Label entry with your name & category (students should include their class and school).
The MVO looks forward to reading the untold chapters of Montserrat’s volcano story and encourages persons from across the island to participate in this unique annual event. he deadline for submissions is Friday, 7 November 2025.
For more information, interested persons can see the competition flyer or email mvomontserrat@gmail.com
