Joanne Hillhouse continues to make waves in her career, this time capturing the Anthony N Sabga Awards (ANSA) on Saturday for Caribbean Excellence in Arts and Letters Laureate.

The prestigious award earned Hillhouse international recognition and an EC $200,000 cash prize.

“There was a period of time where I convinced myself it was not real because there was a period of time when I only know about it, and then when the announcement was made that it is when it became real for me,” Hillhouse said in a radio interview Sunday

Hillhouse is known for her literary work and efforts to nurture young writers. She has won many awards in the past.

“What has made it really hit home is the amount affirmations I have received from people, who said ‘you deserve this’ and after a while, you have to start believing them and they are not just blowing smoke … so it has been a journey and last night was a Cinderella moment for me,” she said.

The Anthony N Sabga Awards is presented annually by the philanthropic arm of the ANSA McAL Group. They are bestowed upon Caribbean nationals in the fields of Arts and Letters, Entrepreneurship, Public and Civic Contributions, and Science and Technology.

Hillhouse joins 57 Caribbean Laureates recognized for excellence in a human endeavor that uplifts the region.

“I write because my spirit binds and it is cagey and needs to be free. I write because things does vex me and people does irk me… I write for my people and me. I write cause is that what set me free,” she said in her acceptance speech.