Best of the best: The Crocodile Prize winners for 2012

PHIL FITZPATRICK

Steamships Prize for Short Stories - Charlotte Vada
PNG Society of Writers, Editors and Publishers Prize for Poetry - Michael Dom
PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Prize for Essays & Journalism - Emma Wakpi
Cleland Family Prize for Heritage Literature - Lorraine Basse
Ex PNG Chalkies' Yokomo Prize for Student Writing -Angeline Low
Ok Tedi Mining Prize for Women's Literature - Imelda Yabara
British American Tobacco (PNG) Prize for Lifetime Contribution to Literature - Russell Soaba

Prize winners who were not at the awards can collect their prizes at the Australian High Commission or contact Ruth Moiam at the AHC to send your prize money and trophy to you - KJ

THIS YEAR THERE WERE NEARLY 600 ENTRIES in the Crocodile Prize national literary competition, all vying for 10 prizes on offer in seven categories.

Among the entries there were many accomplished and well written pieces of creative writing. This made the judges’ task most difficult but they put their minds to it and have come up with the prize winners.

The winner of the Steamships Prize for Short Stories (Russell Soaba Award) is Charlotte Vada for her story The Fan.

Commenting on this story one of the judges said, “It’s assured, with a strong narrative arc, a good build-up of tension, well resolved and surprisingly so, with the return to the fan. Very neat indeed.

“I also liked the balance of points of view between the two boys, and I found both of them very believable. Good dialogue, I liked her confidence in using tok pisin without feeling the need to translate.

“Charlotte’s prose style is confident, economical and relaxed. A very accomplished piece of work by a writer in control of her craft”.

The winner of the PNG Society of Writers, Editors and Publishers Prize for Poetry (John Kasaipwalova Award) is Michael Dom for his poem Sonnet 3: I met a pig farmer the other day.

This poem has a number of outstanding aspects. Firstly, it successfully conveys both the traditional and contemporary in Papua New Guinea. Secondly it is technically accomplished; the sonnet is an old but not easily mastered poetic form, but Michael has not only achieved mastery but has given it a distinctly Papua New Guinean flavour.

Finally, the poem comes from a body of submitted work which is singularly outstanding, particularly for its mix of innovative, quirky and traditional styles.

Michael is on assignment in Honiara and was represented at the awards ceremony by his mother, Ruth Maldoa Dom, and niece, Illeana Maldoa II Dom. Michael has dedicated his first collection of poems to both of them.

The winner of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Prize for Essays & Journalism (Sean Dorney Award) is Emma Wakpi for her essay The Haunting.

Emma demonstrated an easy-to-read and incisive style in this essay and in her other entries as well as a positive and encouraging outlook, something that Papua New Guinea really needs at the moment.

Her work stands in stark contrast to entries which dwell so much on the negative aspects of Papua New Guinean society or are written in a deliberately provocative manner.

Provocation, as distinct from sensationalism, has a place in journalism but it does not work so well when it overwhelms its subject matter. Emma’s essay is also refreshingly free of any technical obfuscation.

The winner of the Cleland Family Prize for Heritage Literature is Lorraine Basse for her story Barasi - The Manam Way.

The judges had a difficult time with this category because so many entries offered a mix of heritage, history and modern themes.

In contrast, Lorraine’s entry is a well researched and readable account of an age-old tradition which has survived, largely intact, the perilous journey into modern times.

It is differentiated from many of the other entries by resonating with factual authority, not least because of its rendering of traditional song. The piece also highlights the place of women in tradition, something that is often overlooked in favour of men.

The winner of the Ex PNG Chalkies' Yokomo Prize for Student Writing is Angeline Low for her short story Going through the Unimaginable.

The story is outstanding for several reasons. Firstly, the subject matter is extremely sensitive and one which would test the talents of someone much older than Angeline’s 16 years.

It also has a ring of authenticity which is helped tremendously by Angeline’s confident control of dialogue and narrative as the tension builds up to its shocking culmination.

Lastly it is a bold attempt to expose an element of society that is often shamefully hidden.

One of the judges said the story “is a reflection of the social conscience, not only of what happens in PNG but all around the world”.

One of the major sponsors, and a judge of the Yokomo Prize, made the following observation: “Given the breast beating about the decline of educational standards, the quality of the English language expression was rather good, better than I'd expected … and comforting”.

With this in mind and a desire to encourage young writers in PNG a late decision was made to extend the award to three runners-up in the student category. The three winners in the AustAsia Pacific Health Services Encouragement Awards for Student Writers are Axel Rice, Jeremiah Toni and Kayla Reimann.

Space does not permit a detailed account of these writer’s work suffice to say that Axel impressed the judges with his choice of ‘adventure’ genre and journalistic flavour, Jeremiah with his surprising poetic imagery and Kayla for her maturity and breadth of subject matter.

As readers will see, this year’s winners are dominated by women writers. This made the choice in the Ok Tedi Mining Prize for Women's Literature (Dame Carol Kidu Award) extra difficult but the judges agreed the winner is Imelda Yabara for her short story, My Name is Sandy and her poems In Bed with Me and Way Out of Reach.

In making this judgement particular attention was made to the relevance of the subject matter to women and, of course, excellence in writing. Imelda had impressed the judges in 2011 and they were further impressed by how her work has maintained a consistently high standard into 2012.

The final award in the competition and perhaps the easiest to judge is the British American Tobacco (PNG) Prize for Lifetime Contribution to Literature (Sir Paulias Matane Award).

The judges had no hesitation in agreeing that the award should go to Russell Soaba. Russell was there at the beginning with Vincent Eri and the other founders of the modern PNG literary movement and he is still advancing the cause of Papua New Guinea literature.

Along the way he has produced an impressive list of publications, including the novels Wanpis (1977) and Maiba (1985), the poetry collections Naked Thoughts: Poems and Illustrations (1978), Ondobondo Poster Poems (1979) and Kwamra, A Season of Harvest: Poems (2000).

His newspaper column Soaba’s Storyboard has given many new Papua New Guinean writers their first taste of published success. His courses at UPNG are legendary and people line up to get into them.

Steven Winduo, himself a great writer, says of Russell: “He is the portrait of the odd man out, an individual, and a great thinker.

“Russell Soaba is also one of the greatest, if not the greatest, writer in Papua New Guinea. His works, particularly novels Maiba and Wanpis, are studied in universities around the world by students of literature and philosophy.

“Followers of the existentialism philosophy around the world dote on the writings of Russell Soaba.”

Russell was born in Tototo, Milne Bay in 1950. He was educated in Papua New Guinea, Australia and at Brown University, Rhode Island. He currently teaches at the University of Papua New Guinea and works as an editor for a local publisher. He has been a strong supporter of the Crocodile Prize since its inception.

Comments

[Joe Wasia]

Congratulations guys for taking part in the competition. And big thanks to Keith Jackson and the team for making it a success. I also extend my word of appreciations to great sponsors of Crocodile Prize 2012.

Actually, I was not there due to work commitments but I know from last year's experience, it would be a great day.

Guys this is not the end. Let's continue writing and commenting on PNG Attitude. I know this is a better place to be.

[Regina Dorum]

My Congratulations to the Best writers and my sincere gratitude to the hardworking people who made this dream possible; namely Keith, Phil, Amanda, Jimmy, Ruth, Russel and many others who have helped. I had a great time meeting great people with great minds, ideas and dreams. What an event it was!
2012 Crocodile prize has set a standard and I bet next year will be even better! To the executives of the SWEP team, congratulations on your appointments but there is alot of work to do! I know with great people in the team, we will do it!
Cheers and happy writing beautiful people.

[Bernard Yegiora]

I really enjoyed the experience.

Meeting you all physically was the highlight; Nick, Corney, Phil, Amanda, Ruth, Regina, the Vada's, Sil, David, and others. Now I have a picture of you all in my mind.

[Emma Wakpi]

Thank you all. Enjoyed meeting everyone, seeing their passion for writting/literacy and the commitment to keep this going. Mr Saboa was an inspiration.

I echo the sentiments of Ms Wase toward Phil, Keith and the Crocodile Prize Team. THANK YOU.

[Charlotte Vada]

To Phil & Keith and the Crocodile team,

Thank you for all the tireless work you have put into establishing the Crocodile Prize Anthology and for initiating PNGSWEP.

I enjoyed the events of the past two days very much. It was great to meet the PNGSWEP members and take part in the Writer’s Forum. I especially enjoyed the presentations from two authors, Drusilla Modjeska and Russell Soaba – these were a real treat. I feel privileged to have been among an audience to Drusilla’s invaluable insights on finding the right voice when crafting the beginning of a story. I also enjoyed hearing prose from Maiba and Wanpis being read aloud by Russell Soaba. There is something quite special about hearing an author recite their own work and I hope SWEP will incorporate a recital in next year’s event program – or perhaps even sooner! Another highlight of the event for me was (obviously) winning the Russell Soaba Award, but what made it particularly special is that I then got to witness the man himself receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In such a short space of time I indeed experienced many great moments, but I have to say my favourite moment was after the event when I arrived home, quietly opened up the book, turned a few pages and saw my own name in print. Such a satisfying feeling - finally!

Thanks again for the experience of a lifetime and for making seemingly impossible dreams come true for Papua New Guinea’s writers. Here's to greater success next year. Cheers.

P.S. Thanks also to supporters of the Crocodile Prize for the words of encouragement and Mr Febi - yes that was me in your Physics 1A class all those years ago- well done to you!

[Robin Lillicrapp]

There are decades of experience behind the minds that envisioned and foresaw the challenges and rewards presented to PNG writers culminating in now two anniversaries of the Crocodile Prize competition.

The establishment and governance is, in microcosm, a picture of the way PNG's Independence should have been achieved and maintained: with an ever growing body of contribution to history and culture that resonates across the breadth of society.

The published anthology is the catalyst to generate inspiration and creativity, analysis and objectivity amid a generation searching for meaning and acceptance.

Congratulations to you all. You do your country proud.

[Jimmy Drekore]

No problem Leonard, nice meeting you brother

[Leonard Roka]

Laikim yupla nating tru

[Leonard Roka]

Congratulations to the 'best of the best'.

Now that I am safely in Madang, I want to apologize to all of you whom we were at the all three events at the Australian High Commission for not being verbally active in every discussion.

Please forgive me for I am not a talker.
____________

But you're a very good writer, Leonard - KJ

[Jimmy Drekore]

Congratulations to all winners of 2012 Croc Prize Awards and thankyou to all creative writers who have submitted your pieces.

All of you have given the Crocodile Prize that significant and high standard.

Please continues pouring your hearts and creativity for a beautiful world can only be decribed by writers.... PNG lets move forward.

[Michael Dom]

Well done everyone!

But 'three is the charm', so gear up for 2013.

Keith, where can we buy copies of Anthology 2011 and 2012?

[Nick Piakal]

This is a phenomenal achievement for literature in PNG. From the enthusiasm of everyone involved with the Croc Awards and in the establishment of PNGSWEP, it was evident -- and I can earnestly say without any reservation, that things can only get better from here on.

It is also high time too that an icon like Russell Soaba is given the limelight he deserves for keeping the fire alight, alive and burning all these years. Perhaps then we won't have people like Boka Kondra (Culture and Tourism Minister!) refer to Soaba as "I think that was the guy".

Congratulations to all the winners of the awards and to the newly elected office bearers of PNGSWEP.

[Brigette Wase]

I would sincerely like to congratulate the winners of the 2012 Crocodile Prize. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your works and yes, they are deserving of the prize. I as a fellow PNGean am very proud of you.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Keith Jackson, Phil Fitzpatrick and the Crocodile Prize team for the work and effort they have put behind the Crocodile Prize and anthology to make it the success it is today.

To the sponsors who have supported this wonderful endeavour, thank you also from the bottom of my heart.

It was and is quite encouraging to read the works that were submitted by all who participated and I commend you all for the effort. I think we all deserve a pat on the back.

For me personally, the greatest prize to have beeb bestowed upon me is having my two short stories which I submitted to be part of the anthology.

I cried (with happiness) when I saw my works being selected and you have certainly made one of my childhood dreams come true.

Congratulations and sincere appreciation to you all and God's blessings upon you all.
_____________

Thanks Brigette. Prize winners who were not at the awards can collect their prizes at the Australian High Commission or contact Ruth Moiam at the AHC to send your prize money and trophy to you - KJ

[Lapieh Landu]

Well done and congratulations to all the winners! PNG has indeed aquired new and talented writers! Guardians of our national treasure!

And Keith, I'm confident that its Lorrain Basse and not Brasse. I went to school with this young lady. Maybe you could amend that.

Cheers!
_____________

Done - and thanks - KJ

[Corney K Alone]

I enjoyed the Awards night! You were a noticeably absent figure. So many thanks from the bottom of Tanya and my hearts for all that you do.

It was spectacular evening with very good number of female prize winners, Bob Cleland (whose name resonates with the history of PNG), two ministers (Education & Tourism and Culture).

Former Prime Minister, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Lady Kidu were also there.

Martyn Namorong was a visible presence there too - his change of mind to return to his roots and do something for his people was something I like listening to him in person.

We hope to meet him for dinner anytime next week before he leaves to his South Fly homeland in the Western province.

It was lovely meeting up with Francis Nii too - having to see him smile and be away for a chance from his fixed spot at the Kundiawa hospital is a blessing for him.

I offer to continue to sponsor his trip back to Port Moresby for 2013's Crocodile Prize Award ceremony.

[Mrs Barbara Short]

Congratulations to Michael and Russell, and Axel and Jeremiah, and all the ladies. It is encouraging to see that PNG women thinkers have so much to offer the country and are willing to speak out and can express their thoughts in such inspiring ways.

I hope the parliamentarians, the lawyers, the church pastors, and all the others in leadership roles in PNG will start reading the thoughts of these women.

They bring a "balance" back into a society which appears to me to have been evolving in an unbalanced way, with too much emphasis on "economic development" and not enough thought on "social development" and "personal development".

Just my thought!

[Jeff Febi]

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Croc Prize...yous were the best and your work have truly shown the world we can write.

I'd like to mention here Charlotte Vada...the name rings a bell and yes I remember her from my Physics tutorial class some years back. Well done Charlotte!

And to my favourite Mr Soaba...I only have 'wow' to say to you. I wish I could offer you something too...'you are the inspiration, my only inspiration'...

Thank you for being the face of PNG literature for many upcoming writers. Also, Professor Winduo, good to know you're with The Croc Prize now. We need you, the country needs you!

Cheers one and all.