In a remarkable display of literary prowess, Major Emanuel from Foundation Mixed School claimed victory at the Rotary Club of Antigua’s 2026 Book Reading Competition on March 7th. The young scholar outperformed competitors with an exceptional score of 135 points, demonstrating superior reading comprehension and presentation abilities that captivated judges and audience members alike.
The annual event, designed to promote literacy and cultural engagement among primary school students across Antigua and Barbuda, centered around the locally authored work ‘Tete’s Butterfly’ by Floree Williams-Whyte. This strategic selection emphasized the importance of regional literature in fostering cultural identity and preserving Caribbean storytelling traditions.
Competition format featured two distinct challenges: participants first delivered selected passages from the designated text, followed by a innovative news presenter segment that evaluated their clarity, confidence, and expressive capabilities under pressure. The unique structure aimed to develop both literary analysis skills and public speaking confidence among young learners.
Final rankings placed Jayhem Joshua from TOR Memorial School as first runner-up with 125 points, while Eidrik Piper of Five Islands Primary School secured second runner-up position with 117 points.
Rotary Club President Graham emphasized the transformative power of literacy during her address: ‘Reading represents one of the most valuable gifts we can provide to younger generations. Through literature, students develop critical thinking capabilities, cultivate bold imagination, and learn to perceive the world through diverse perspectives. Such competitions fundamentally strengthen confidence and inspire enduring passion for reading.’
She particularly highlighted the significance of incorporating regional authors into educational initiatives, noting that Caribbean narratives enable students to recognize their cultural experiences within literary contexts. ‘When children encounter stories crafted by Caribbean writers, they encounter reflections of themselves within those pages. They understand that their narratives, linguistic traditions, and cultural heritage possess profound importance.’
The successful execution of this literacy initiative was made possible through generous support from numerous sponsors including ACB Caribbean, Cricket West Indies, Brydens, and local businesses alongside individual contributors from the Rotary leadership team. Through such educational programs, the Rotary Club of Antigua continues its dedicated mission to enhance educational standards, empower youth development, and advance literacy nationwide.