The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has announced the winners of its 2026 Creative Youth Writing Competition, highlighting outstanding student talent from across the region.

Dainea Lubin, 15, of Saint Lucia’s St Joseph Convent Secondary School and Jermorie Isaac, 18, of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College in Saint Kitts and Nevis secured first place in the 12–15 and 16–20 age categories, respectively. Both winning entries explored the theme “Through My Own Eyes.”

In the 12–15 category, Rachael Roberts of Grenada placed second, while Prakruti Rastogi of St Kitts and Nevis took third. Among participants aged 16–20, Christi Williams of St Vincent and the Grenadines placed second, and Saint Lucia’s Karissa Halliday third.

The competition attracted 168 submissions, focusing on poetry and themes including identity, personal growth, and a changing Caribbean. Winners, along with their schools and mentors, will receive prizes totalling EC$26,000.

Launched in 2018, the initiative forms part of the ECCB’s community outreach programme, aimed at fostering creativity and raising awareness of regional development issues among youth.