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Are you a Barbadian writer looking to develop your craft in prose, poetry, or drama? What about the spoken word? The Frank Collymore Literary Endowment (FCLE) provides the perfect platform to showcase your talent and grow as a writer. Whether you have a manuscript, a collection of poems, short stories, or a spoken word piece, this annual competition welcomes submissions from writers at every stage of their journey. Beyond just competing, you’ll gain valuable recognition and expert feedback to help refine your work.
The FCLE is not just about handing out awards—it’s about nurturing writers and building a supportive literary community in Barbados. Over the years, the FCLE has been instrumental in discovering new voices while celebrating established ones, offering you the chance to share your work with a broader audience.
Sponsored by the Central Bank of Barbados since its inception in 1998, the FCLE continues to promote and reward excellence in the literary arts. Named after Frank Appleton Collymore, fondly remembered as the "Barbadian Man of the Arts," the Endowment honours his lasting influence as a literary editor, writer, poet, stage performer, and painter. His dedication to the arts lives on through this competition.
Dr. Yvonne Weekes chairs the FCLE Committee. She is a past FCLE award winner and a published author, educator, and arts advocate. Other committee members include Lafleur Cockburn-Jackman, Andre Harewood, Dr. Andrew Armstrong, Dr. Nicola Hunte, Dana Gilkes, Karra Price, Ayesha Gibson-Gill, Dr. Sam Soyer, and De Carla Applewhaite. Together, they ensure the competition remains a beacon for aspiring and experienced writers alike.
According to Dr. Weekes: “Ultimately the goal of the FCLE for the next three years is to ensure that every writer in Barbados is aware of the work of the committee, support winners, and provide opportunities for writers, which result in an exponential growth of Caribbean writing.”
The FCLE doesn’t just reward writers; it propels them forward on their literary journeys. The first-place winner receives $10,000, with second and third place claiming $7,500 and $5,000, respectively.
New to the FCLE is the spoken word competition, introduced in 2023. This category provides another exciting opportunity for performers, with the prize monies set at $5,000, $2,500, and $1,500. But the rewards go beyond cash prizes.
FCLE winners receive guidance from professional editors and a spotlight in Barbados’ vibrant literary scene. The Developmental Award, introduced last year, offers writers whose work shows promise the chance to refine their manuscripts with expert editorial support. Award-winning theatre artist, poet, and playwright Winston Farrell and writer Louis Parris were the first recipients of this honour.
If you're looking for more than just prizes, the FCLE supports your long-term growth as a writer. Through workshops, mentorship, and events like “Meet the Writer,” participants have the chance to engage with established authors and industry professionals. These outreach programmes cater to all ages, making the competition an excellent opportunity for anyone serious about honing their craft.
There’s also the John Wickham Prize, recognising writers under 25, and the Prime Minister’s Award, which honours manuscripts offering fresh perspectives on Barbadian culture. These additional awards encourage young and emerging writers to join the competition and gain invaluable experience.
Notable winners of the FCLE award include internationally celebrated poet Edward Kamau Brathwaite, and double-winner Kerry Belgrave. The FCLE has also been a launchpad for many successful Barbadian writers who have gone on to publish. These include Sharma Taylor, author of “What A Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You”; Cherie Jones, known for “How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House”; Karen Lord, the author of “Redemption in Indigo”; and Dr. Margaret Gill, who penned “Machinations of a Feminist”. These authors have since gone on to critical acclaim across the Caribbean and beyond.
The submission deadline for the 2024 FCLE competition is September 30. Whether you’re an emerging writer or someone more experienced, this is your chance to be part of Barbados’ literary legacy. Don’t miss the opportunity to receive expert guidance, exposure, and win substantial prizes.
The award ceremony will take place on January 11, 2025, with keynote speaker Professor Jane Bryce, Professor Emerita of African Literature and Cinema at UWI Cave Hill.
If you’re passionate about your craft and ready to take the next step, the FCLE is waiting for your submission. Click here for guidelines and more information on how to enter.