Bocas Prize open for entries, closes soon

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

September 15, 2023 – The Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, top of the list as one of the region’s most coveted literary awards, and sponsored by One Caribbean Media (OCM)  is now open for entries, marking its 14th year.

According to their Instagram, nominations close on the 15th of September.

The prize gives recognition to the best, most outstanding books published each year by writers of Caribbean birth or citizenship and carries a cash award of US$10,000 for the overall winner and US$3,000 each for two other genre category winners.

Furthermore, the cross genre Prize which is judged in the categories of poetry, fiction and literary non-fiction.

From the three genre category winners, the overall winner will be selected, revealed and featured at the 2024 NGC Bocas Lit Fest, the Anglophone (English speaking) Caribbean’s biggest annual literary festival.

Now, the overall winner will join past winners such as Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, Laureate; Olive Senior, Jamaican Poet; Earl Lovelace, Novelist; and fresh debut authors like novelist Ayanna Lloyd Banwo, the 2023 winner.

Also, the deadline for 2023 Bocas Lit Fest Children’s Book Prize is fast approaching, entries open until September 18th, and is open to Caribbean-born authors of English-language books, including self-published writers, residing anywhere on the globe.

Now in its 3rd consecutive year, the prize calls upon aspiring writers to grab the attention, stimulate and captivate the imagination of children aged 7-12, with enchanting tales that aligns with their cultural roots.

For full information about the 2024 OCM Bocas Prize and , including deadline dates and eligibility and submission guidelines, visit www.bocaslitfest.com/awards/ocm and for

The Bocas Children’s Book Prize visit www.bocaslitfest.com/product/childrens-book-prize/. (Modified Press Release from Bocas Lit Fest).