Antigua and Barbuda has emerged among a group of standout countries contributing to a record-breaking year for the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, which closed with 7,806 entries from writers across 54 countries, spanning ages 18 to 95.

Prize organisers reported a record number of participants from 12 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting growing interest and confidence among local writers in sharing their stories on a global stage. The milestone also reflects the increasing visibility of Caribbean voices within the Commonwealth’s literary landscape.

The 2026 prize cycle also marked a significant expansion in linguistic diversity, with a 36 per cent increase in non-English submissions, underscoring the competition’s commitment to celebrating storytelling in all languages. Organisers said the surge reinforces the idea that powerful stories transcend borders, accents, and linguistic traditions.

“7,806 writers. 54 countries. Telling the stories that matter,” the organisers noted, describing the scale of participation as evidence of a thriving, interconnected writing community.

Support networks played a key role in this year’s success. Organisers expressed gratitude to those who encouraged writers to enter, assisted with proofreading, and helped spread the word about the competition.

Special thanks were also extended to judges and past prize winners, whose insights informed a series of writing tips and exercises accessed by thousands of storytellers worldwide—including aspiring writers from Antigua and Barbuda taking their first steps into creative writing.