WILLEMSTAD – Akeem Chandler-Prescod of Barbados has won the 2026 CariCon Poetry Slam, securing first place during the third edition of the regional literary event held on Saturday, March 21.
The jury praised Chandler-Prescod for his raw, honest, and deeply personal poetry, which explored themes such as masculinity, violence, and upbringing in the Caribbean.
The event, organized in collaboration with Wintertuin Curaçao, took place at Teatro Aula Habaai and coincided with World Poetry Day, an international observance established by UNESCO to highlight the importance of poetry and literary expression.
More than 150 attendees gathered for an evening dedicated to spoken word and Caribbean talent. Ten participants from eight Caribbean islands delivered performances that resonated strongly with the audience, addressing themes that touched both emotionally and socially.
In addition to the competition, the program featured guest performances by Dayra Lee, founder of Puerto Rico Poetry Slam, and Britton Wright of Jamaica, winner of the 2025 CariCon Poetry Slam.
As CariCon managing director V. Steve Russell noted during the event, “The Caribbean is one people,” underscoring the organization’s mission to promote connection, creativity, and collaboration across the region.
The jury faced a difficult task in selecting winners from a strong group of finalists. Chandler-Prescod took first place, followed by Kary Rios Santana of Puerto Rico in second and Keeron Isaac of Trinidad and Tobago in third. The top five was completed by Aline Abdul of Curaçao and Sergio Hernandez of Puerto Rico.
Participants were judged on content, performance, and audience response, with particular emphasis on how well their work reflected the festival theme, “Speak truth, speak life.”
According to the jury, Chandler-Prescod distinguished himself through a powerful combination of content and delivery. His performances were described as precise and compelling, with strong stage presence and body language that allowed him to engage the audience—even when addressing complex or heavy subject matter, including for those less familiar with English.
As the overall winner, he received the CariCon Trophy, a cash prize of $1,500, a three-day all-inclusive trip to the Dominican Republic, a performance opportunity at the CariCon Conference 2026 in Toronto, a publication deal with Brer Anancy Press, and a VIP experience at the 2027 CariCon Poetry Slam in Guadeloupe, including travel and accommodation.
The second-place prize included $750, a CariCon Poetry Slam medal, and a scholarship to attend the CariCon Writers Retreat in Martinique in October 2026. The third-place winner received $500, a medal, and a scholarship to the CariCon Conference in June 2026.
CariCon is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles that works to promote Caribbean literary, artistic, and cultural expression both within the region and across the diaspora.
The fourth edition of the CariCon Poetry Slam is scheduled to take place in Guadeloupe next year, with registrations already open. Organizers also indicated that several participants from this year’s event are expected to return to Curaçao for the Wintertuin Curaçao Festival on September 19.