The Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand, Michael Walsh, congratulated the Samoa Observer and all it’s partners for a successful inaugural Samoa Observer Tusitala Short Story competition.
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Mr. Walsh, who delivered the keynote address during the competition’s prize giving ceremony last Saturday night, also congratulated all the winners which included writers from Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands and the two Samoas.
The winning stories all resonate with a strong sense of Pacific identity, Mr. Walsh said.
“Through the dialogue, and subtle details you can feel where you are.
What sets the winner apart is that at the same time as placing the reader in the real Samoa, physically and culturally; the writer also captures universal truths about human nature. Not all of it is pretty,” said Mr. Walsh.
“Alongside themes of obedience, loyalty and disloyalty, is the desire to be popular, the temptation to lie, guilt and callousness. Like Shakespeare this story digs into very real common human behaviour, in an honest and brave way.
“Telling stories like this can make us pause to think about our own beliefs and behaviour. This can be potentially very powerful.
“There are stories that can take some credit for helping to not just change behaviours but influence whole societies. Take for example, “To Kill a Mockingbird” which pricked the conscious of a nation about its racism. The honesty of this story, told through the eyes of a child, provided a safe way to hold up a mirror. This can start important conversations about what sort of people we are, or want to be.”
Mr. Walsh said the world has a lot to thank writers for. “They have entertained us, challenged us, broadened our worlds and got us thinking. But I imagine it’s not easy being a writer, particularly if you are starting out and still finding a confident voice. This is the value of this competition. It creates a focus and some rewards for aspiring writers throughout the region.”
The prize giving was well attended. Among the guests was Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, former deputy Prime Minister, Misa Telefoni and members of the business community.
Here are some more photos from the night.
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