Students from Six Institutions Win ABRSC 2026 Essay Competition on Reparatory Justice

The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has announced the winners of its 2026 Essay Competition, recognising six students from institutions across Antigua and Barbuda who produced exceptional work on the theme "Reparatory Justice: Reflection and Projection."

The competition attracted submissions from students at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, and secondary and primary schools across the nation — reflecting the breadth of interest among young Antiguans and Barbudans in the question of reparatory justice and African-Caribbean history.

A Strong Field of Entrants

Dr. Lenworth Johnson, Coordinator of the competition, praised the quality of submissions received. "All winners performed exceptionally across the four judging criteria — clarity, historical awareness, structure, and language. Their essays were imaginative, insightful, and enriched with vivid imagery," he said.

The Winners

In Category 1, covering university-level students, Elena Etinoff claimed first place, followed by Neilisha Maragh in second and Makkedah Lawrence in third.

In Category 2, covering ABCAS and secondary school students, Shemika David of Clare Hall Secondary School took first place. Second place went to Uriah Francis of the ABCAS Dr. Alister Francis Campus, with Ariana Goodluck of the ABCAS Eustace Hill Campus finishing third.

The Prizes

Category 1 winners received cash prizes of EC$600 for first place, EC$400 for second, and EC$250 for third, along with books. Category 2 winners received EC$500 for first place, EC$300 for second, and EC$150 for third, also with books.

A Commission Invested in the Next Generation

ABRSC Chair His Excellency Dorbrene O'Marde and members of the Commission congratulated all winners and participants for their outstanding contributions, expressing deep appreciation to participating institutions for their commitment to education, critical thinking, and awareness of reparatory justice.

The competition forms part of the ABRSC's broader 2026 Emancipation Observances programme, which culminates in a Watchnight Gathering on July 31 at the Botanical Gardens featuring Professor Sir Hilary Beckles — the UWI Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission — as the feature speaker. The annual Emancipation Day observances follow on August 1.

For the winners of this year's essay competition, their recognition arrives at a moment when reparatory justice is gaining unprecedented global momentum — including a newly published CARICOM Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice and a recent United Nations declaration on the trafficking and enslavement of Africans. Their essays are a reminder that the generation inheriting this conversation is already engaging with it with depth, creativity, and seriousness of purpose.