The Guyana Annual Magazine 2018, dubbed the only magazine which offers a platform for emerging Guyanese writers and artists, was on Thursday evening launched in a ceremony that saw many versed and skilled writers and photographers being awarded for their contributions.
Copies of the new edition of the Guyana Annual Magazine 2018
Prizes distributed to the winners of the various categories included essay, photography, poetry, short stories, visual art and drama. Their works have been featured in the newest edition of the magazine.
The keynote speaker, editor of the magazine, Danielle Swain, in her address, revealed that it has been two decades since the magazine was revived, and that categories have been modified by renaming them after Guyanese artistes. These included Hawley Harris, Stephanie Correia, Bertram Charles, David de Caires, and Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh.
Guyana Times senior journalist Jarryl Bryan receiving his award for his entry in the photography category
She also noted that this is a strong platform for promoting Guyanese talents, and the graduates from this programme have in the past ventured to win other highly recognised awards for their gift in the literary field.
Many past successful alumni have, through promotion by the magazine, gone on to win the Guyana Prize for Literature and competitions such as the Immersion Pitch Prize and the Code Burt Award.
“This edition is particularly important because not only does it mark 20 years since the magazine was resuscitated, it also marks the return of the competition aspect of the magazine. The Annual has come home. She has returned to her roots, which was and is to sustain and nurture emerging talents whilst honouring those who have come before,” Swain declared.
Chairman of the National Library, Petamber Persaud, in his opening remarks, highlighted that over the years, scores of literary pieces were published and regarded as wonderful art works. Additionally, the materialization of the magazine was made possible by the main benefactor, Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh.
“Within the last 15 issues, there are over 150 articles, 300 poems, 150 stories, and scores of wonderful artworks. This issue (relies) heavily on teamwork, and all of these things were made possible through the indomitable share giver Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh.”
Some of the winners this year included Guyana Times journalist Jarryl Bryan, Amanda Richards, Scott Ting-A-Kee, Abike Barker, Jermana DeFrietas and Chabilall Persaud. The Guyana Annual Magazine is available at the cost of $1000 locally and also at the online shop Amazon.
