The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC) has announced the winners of its 2026 Essay Competition, held under the theme "Reparatory Justice: Reflection and Projection." According to Antigua.news, the competition drew submissions from students across the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), and secondary and primary schools nationwide.
Dr. Lenworth Johnson, Coordinator of the competition, praised participants for the calibre of their work, which was assessed across four judging criteria.
"All winners performed exceptionally across the four judging criteria – clarity, historical awareness, structure, and language," Johnson said. "Their essays were imaginative, insightful, and enriched with vivid imagery."
In Category 1, open to university-level students, Elena Etinoff claimed first place, with Neilisha Maragh finishing second and Makkedah Lawrence third.
Category 2, covering ABCAS and secondary school students, saw Shemika David of Clare Hall Secondary School take first place. Uriah Francis of ABCAS's Dr. Alister Francis Campus placed second, and Ariana Goodluck of ABCAS's Eustace Hill Campus finished third.
Category 1 winners received cash prizes of EC$600 for first place, EC$400 for second, and EC$250 for third, each accompanied by a selection of books. Category 2 winners received EC$500, EC$300, and EC$150 respectively, also with accompanying books.
Commission Chair H.E. Dorbrene O'Marde congratulated all winners and participants for their contributions to the competition.
The ABRSC extended its appreciation to all participating students and institutions for their commitment to promoting education, critical thinking, and awareness of reparatory justice and African-Caribbean history.
The annual essay competition forms part of the Commission's broader mandate to engage Antiguans and Barbudans — particularly young people — in the ongoing regional conversation surrounding reparatory justice.
