CUBA – Books by Bajan and Vincentian authors recognized in Casa de las Amerícas Literary Awards

Two books by Barbadian authors were among the top three in the Caribbean Literature in English or Creole category of the 2018 Casa de las Amerícas Literary Awards which were announced in Havana, Cuba, on January 25.

Tracing JaJa (novel) by Anthony Kellman was the winner in this category, while Tell My Mother I Gone to Cuba (essay) by Sharon Milagro Marshall received honourable mention.

Canouan Suite & Other Pieces (poetry) by Vincentian Philip Nanton also received honourable mention.

The jury consisted of Elizabeth Nunez of Trinidad and Tobago, Jacob Ross of Grenada, and Emilio Jorge Rodríguez of Cuba.

The judges described Tracing JaJa as, an intense work of historical narration based on real events, revealing one of the atrocities of British colonial history.

Tell My Mother I Gone to Cuba chronicles the experiences of Barbadians and other British West Indies who migrated to Cuba in search of a better life during the early part of the Twentieth Century.

Casa de las Américas was founded by the Cuban Government in April 1959 to develop and extend socio-cultural relations with the countries of Latin America, the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

It was originally a publishing house and information centre, but has developed into the best-known and most prestigious cultural institution in Cuba. The literary prize has been awarded annually since 1960. The main award categories are poetry, short story, novel, theatre and essay.