Aug. 19, 2006 – "The Caribbean Writer," a literary anthology published by the University of the Virgin Islands, has reached a milestone. The 20th volume of the annual anthology, which features the work of writers in the Caribbean and literature with a Caribbean focus, was recently released. "The Caribbean Writer" publishes book reviews, drama, personal essays, poetry, short fiction, translations and special sections that celebrate the work of acclaimed writers.
Among the highlights in the Volume 20 Anniversary issue are poetry and prose of the renowned Jamaican writer Opal Palmer Adisa. There are also poetry and fiction by Delores Gauntlett, Berkeley Wendell Semple, Tregenza Roach, Ian McDonald, V. Corso, Lelawatee Manoo-Rahming and others. The journal features art from the Virgin Islands with a cover by artist Sue Snow. It also contains book reviews by an international gathering of critics.
Looking towards the future Prof. Marvin E. Williams of UVI, editor for the past four years, plans to build upon the anthology's solid foundation built largely by its founder and first editor Erika Waters.
"One challenge is also to expand the readership and contributors," said Williams, who has been involved with the publication since 1993. The literary journal receives more than 1,000 submissions each year and 1,500 copies of the book are printed. "The point is to maintain quality and stay alive as an outlet for writers," he said. "Hopefully we'll be here many years beyond this milestone and continue to fill a need."
Each year, the prizewinners of the previous volume are recognized. These are The Daily News Prize for poetry awarded to Delores Gauntlett, The Avis's Canute A. Brodhurst Prize for short fiction won by Robert Edison Sandiford, The Charlotte and Isidor Paiewonsky Prize for first-time publication in the anthology earned by Angela Barry, The David Hough Literary Prize for an author residing in the Caribbean awarded to Arnold Highfield and The Marguerite Cobb McKay Prize for a Virgin Islands author received by Edgar O. Lake.
Volume 20 is available on St. Croix at the UVI Bookstore, Magazines and More, Undercover Books and the Whim Museum Store; on St. Thomas at the UVI Bookstore and Dockside Bookshop; and on Tortola at Heritage Books and Art. Copies can also be ordered directly from the office of "The Caribbean Writer" by calling 692-4152 or by e-mailing [email protected]. It is currently accepting submissions for Volume 21.
For more information, call 692-4152 or visit the Web site at www.thecaribbeanwriter.com.