Simbu writers dominate Crocodile Prize 2014 entries
08 July 2014
KEITH JACKSON
AFTER the Crocodile Prize was established in 2011 and the closing date for entries passed, Phil Fitzpatrick and I got down to the judging.
There were 105 contributions from 40 writers to read and assess in three categories: short stories, poetry and essays.
As the judging progressed, Phil and I noticed that the women’s entries were relatively small in number and it seemed certain the first awards would be dominated by men.
So, at the last minute, we initiated an award for women’s writing and Dame Carol Kidu was gracious enough to lend her name to it.
It was the last time we had to offer a special award for women. From 2011 on, when it came to literature, the women of Papua New Guinea showed they were every bit as good and competitive as the men.
In 2014, we have received more than 600 entries from 130 writers, 46% of them female. We consider this a very satisfactory outcome.
Another issue Phil and I were concerned about was the extent to which the contest would attract engagement from throughout Papua New Guinea.
Well this year, while a number of provinces had just a few writers contributing to the national tally, all but one – West New Britain – are represented.
It was no surprise to find that Simbu topped the list, with 26% of entries coming from writers who identify with what is clearly a fertile and productive creative environment.
Simbu, as regular readers will knlow, this year became the first province to establish its own writers association.
In second and third positions for entries were the National Capital District (13%), with its large and generally well educated population, and Bougainville (9%), where Leonard Fong Roka has inspired a constellation of young and talented writers.
Here’s the full league table:
Where the entries came from 2014
26% Simbu
13% National Capital District
9% Bougainville
8% Eastern Highlands, Morobe
5% East Sepik
4% Madang, Central, Western Highlands
3% Manus, Milne Bay, Oro
2% Hela, Enga, Jiwaka, Gulf
<1% Sandaun, New Ireland, East New Britain, Western, Southern Highlands
0 West New Britain
John reading is vital!
Posted by: Bernard Yegiora | 08 July 2014 at 10:42 PM
Interesting statistics. During my UPNG days, I kept a mental tally of extraordinary students in my class from - guess where - Simbu, of course.
Last month I shared this small life story with a medical doctor/bone specialist - from Simbu- who looked after me during my recent hand injury.
Posted by: Orovu Sepoe | 08 July 2014 at 05:48 PM
Impressive stats! And hopefully with the Simbu Writers Association and its outreach program, more young writers will be able to join, write and importantly read.
Reading is still the best method of acquiring knowledge, no other method has come even close yet. Writing follows closely, I should think.
Spread the word over the hills, the mountains;
across the valleys;
across the Wahgi
from one hausman to the next
Our brothers and sisters,
Sons and daughter must learn
To read first.
Read a book today!
Posted by: John Kaupa Kamasua | 08 July 2014 at 03:43 PM
Hats off to the Simbus! Let others see and know of how your are using this powerful platform to raise your voice above the rest.
Posted by: David Kasei Wapar | 08 July 2014 at 11:56 AM
Excellent statistics, Keith and Phil.
The Simbu warriors take the lead. Much pride.
And well done to my Bougainvillean bata Fong for inspiring his fellows.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 08 July 2014 at 10:59 AM