NASSAU, Bahamas — The Premier Edition of the National Anthology of Short Stories 2022 was launched by the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture on Monday, December 19, 2022, in the foyer of the Ivy Dumont Building on University Drive.
This milestone event was initiated by the Division of Cultural Affairs under the leadership of Director of Culture Mrs. Dereka Deleveaux Grant and Assistant Director of Culture Portia Sands. The process began in January 2022 when authors were invited to submit their pieces. There were more than 90 submissions, which were reviewed by Bahamian veterans Maxine Missick, Dr. Sharmane Miller, Liesl Wright, Terrice Curry and Avis Lightbourne. After the first shortlisting, a second review was made and the final pieces were selected.
The Anthology comprised of 38 original pieces from 32 authors in categories of realistic fiction, non-fiction, futuristic, fantasy and folktale. Stories from five students are included, the youngest being 11 years old. Also included are authors from Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Long Island and Bimini.
The Anthology was published by an up-and-coming Bahamian company, Quill Ink Parchment, solely owned by B. Jane Turnquest.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario K. Bowleg, Permanent Secretary Cora Colebrooke, and Under Secretary Montez Williams were in attendance to present the authors and reviewers with a hard-copy of the National Anthology. Deputy Permanent Secretary Susanne Knowles emceed the event.
Copies of the National Anthology of Short Stories 2022 may be obtained from the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas Mixed Media Store.
