A large and appreciative audience of family, friends and poetry enthusiasts gathered at the Anguilla Public Library on Wednesday, 7th May for the much-anticipated Malliouhana Poetry Performance Round and Awards Ceremony 2025.
Among those in attendance to celebrate the Poets and pay tribute to the 2025 Malliouhana Poetry Culture Bearer Awardees, the late Mrs. Collette Jones-Chin and Mrs. Yolande Hodge-Richardson, was the Honourable Minister of Education, Social Development, Youth & Culture, Probation and Library Services, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster. In her remarks the Minister applauded the Organising Committee for its continued efforts in promoting literacy and artistic expression, and the celebration of Anguillian culture. She also emphasised the important role of the arts in education and cultural preservation.
Under the theme “Mi Mudda Say…”, and fittingly taking place on the eve of Mother’s Day, the competition drew 49 entries: 37 in the “Poetry-on-the-Page” category and 12 in the “Spoken Word” segment. Submissions included 15 entries from Juniors (ages 8–12), 16 from Teens (ages 13–18), and 18 from Adults (18+).
First place in the Juniors “On-the-Page” category went to Gabriel Evangelista with his poem “The Words From My Mother’s Mouth”. Cattleya Charles claimed second place, while Abigail Sabatini captured third place and Ezra Richardson earned an honourable mention.
In the Teens “On-the-Page” category, Siena Wojack took first place with her poem “My Kind Mother”, followed by Chaundra Patterson in second place and Jaesean Harrigan in third. Azarel Cupid was awarded an honourable mention.
Vanessa Croft captured first place In the Adult “On-the-Page” category again this year with her poem “My Mother’s Fears”. Cassilda Thomas-Carty was awarded second place, followed by Hyacinth E. Hughes in third place. Jonisha Johnson and Sharleen I. Gumbs also received honourable mentions for their poems.
In the “Spoken Word” round, Arudra Bharrat claimed first place in the Juniors’ category with his poem “Her Libra Superpower”. Cattleya Charles was awarded second place and Chaya T.P. Brooks took third.
Uniqua Romney was adjudged Winner of the Teen category with her poem “Voice of a Caribbean Queen”. Harrison Thompson claimed second place, while Azarel Cupid was awarded third place.
In the Adult category, Cassilda Thomas-Carty walked away with first place for her poem, “A Resounding Voice”, while Nashaine Johnson claimed second and Alexis S. Ryan was awarded third place.
All the participants received Certificates of Participation and the Winners of each category were presented with plaques, monetary and other prize vouchers. Runners-up and Honourable Mentions also received certificates, monetary and prize vouchers.
One of the most touching moments of the evening was the Committee’s tributes to the late Mrs. Yolande Hodge-Richardson and Mrs. Collette Jones-Chin and the unveiling of a commemorative Plaque honouring their cultural contributions.
Mr. Carlyle Franklin and Mrs. Bronte Hazell accepted the award on behalf of Mrs. Hodge-Richardson’s family, while Mr. Cecil Chin and his daughter Charisma accepted the honour in memory of Mrs. Jones-Chin. In an emotional expression of gratitude, Mr. Chin thanked the Committee for recognising and celebrating the legacy of his late wife and that of fellow culture bearers. The Plaque will remain on public display at the Public Library.
The dynamic programme, which was chaired by Committee Chair, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, also included an opening prayer by Education Officer Student Support Services Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton and musical renditions by Mr. Elliott Gumbs and Roots Binghi. Ms. Jansie Webster, Ms. Avon Carty, Ms. Carla Harris made the presentations and Ms. René Henry wrapped up the evening by delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Committee.
The Committee has expressed its appreciation to the esteemed judges: Mrs. Patricia Adams, Mrs. Rosena Brooks, Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty, Ms. Ingrid Fullington, Mr. David Carty and Mr. Keith “Stone” Greaves; as well as guest artistes, Elliott Gumbs and Roots Binghi for their contributions.
Special thanks were also extended to sponsors and partners, including: The Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture, the Department of Education, Cap Juluca Hotel, Malliouhana Hotel, the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC), Alliance Insurance Services, Coral Reef Bookstore, D-3 Enterprises, Malliouhana ANICO Insurance, Liberty Cooperative Credit Union, the Music Department of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Titanium Sounds, Ivor Hodge, Lloyd’s Live, The Anguillian Newspaper, Radio Anguilla, and other Media houses, supporters and friends for making the spectacular evening a success.
Now in its eighteenth year, the Malliouhana Poetry Competition and Awards is organised annually by the Malliouhana Poetry Committee in collaboration with the Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture, the Department of Education and wider community supporters. The initiative continues to foster literacy, artistic excellence, and an enduring ethos of cultural, social, and political awareness, while honouring emerging poets and the legacy culture bearers who shape Anguilla’s artistic identity.
