RUEL Johnson, Ian McDonald, Cassia Alphonso, Mosa Mathifa Telford and Chaitram Singh, all winners of the 2012 Guyana Prize for Literature, were honoured Thursday as the National Library, launched a book exhibition to display their work to the Guyanese public.The authors who were awarded in September last year won in the various categories – which included Johnson (Best Fiction); Telford (Best play); Singh (Best Book) and Mc Donald and Alphonso (Best Poetry).

Each writer, except Mc Donald and Alphonso, who were absent, made presentations on their works to an audience comprising teachers and students who eagerly anticipated what was presented on local writing and acknowledged by Chairman of the National Library and writer, as well, Petamber Persaud.
The occasion which sought to spotlight those writers after realising the lack of appreciation for their work, saw the participation of students who seemed to be very interested in Guyanese Literature.
One student told the gathering of her dream to become an author having been inspired by local writers seeking to make their voices heard.
Without stating her name, she said:“I would like people to know my story and see where I erred so they, too, won’t make those mistakes.”
Three of the winners present, Singh, Johnson and Telford confessed that their major challenges were knowing from which perspective to write a story, the appreciation of political views and making a living off writing.
The Guyana Prize for Literature was founded by late President Desmond Hoyte in 1987, with a view to promoting the development of local literature. It was awarded biennially in categories for best book of fiction, best first book of fiction, best book of poems, best first book of poems, and best play.
The Guyana Prize is managed by a committee consisting of a number of university personnel and the Chief Librarian of the Guyana National Library.
The exhibition will showcase pieces such as Collected Fictions by Johnson; Black Cake Mix by Alphonso; The Comfort of All Things by McDonald; The Flour Convoy by Singh and Sauda by Telford.