Adaiah Sanford wins Caribbean Literary Works Competition; another Dominican places second

Seven year-old Adaiah Sanford, will soon be recognised as an internationally published author, after winning the first annual Caribbean Literary Works Competition.

The  competition, which was organised by The Ducreay Foundation, provided a unique opportunity for Caribbean-based authors specializing in children’s books to successfully become internationally accepted authors.

Sanford was among two Dominicans who were in the final leg of the competition; the other being Karllen Lawrence, who came in second place.

Sanford and Lawrence were among five competitors vying for a spot in the top three positions at the final round which was held on December 12, 2020.

There, the candidates presented a  10-minute, live, compressed version of their literary works via webinar with judges from Reycraft Books, Caribbean representative, Ducreay Foundation as well as a guest judge.

Sanford, a Kalinago native, penned her first book on beginners’ guide to the Kalinago language.

The title of her story, “The Legend of the Spirit Serpent” stems from the L’Escalier Tête-chien in Sineku in which Sanford added her own details and characters in an effort to please the targeted age group of 4-8 years-old taking them on a spirit-filled indigenous journey.

Lawrence’s story on the other hand, took readers on an alphabetical journey throughout the Caribbean.

The Grandbay native whose book is titled “Caribbean ABC” prompts readers to explore the beauty of the Caribbean alphabetically, as presented by the main character Bret.

The Ducreay Foundation has since thanked all the participants and its sponsors and said that planning for next year’s competition has already begun.

“We are delighted to have such amazing talents participate this year! It was not an easy choice to make. However, we fully believe that each finalist did an amazing job and we look forward to working closely with them to share their stories.,” the Foundation stated via a social media post.

They  added, “Always remember that this is your story and only you can share it. Thank you for trusting us. Thank you again to Reycraft Books, Chattel House and China Silk Road Youth Forum for the support this year.”

As the winner, Sanford will be awarded a Reycraft publishing contract plus USD$5,000 advance and royalties from the books which are sold.

Lawrence will receive USD$2,000 sponsored by China Silk Road Youth Forum, full free editorial review and mentorship by Reycraft Books and the third place winner, Robertha Reid of Barbados, will be awarded full free editorial review and mentorship by Reycraft Books.

The first annual Caribbean Literary Works Competition was held under the theme, “The Power of Representation.”