Chanel Sutherland from St Vincent and the Grenadines has won the prestigious 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for her compelling narrative titled 'Descend.'

The award was revealed during a virtual ceremony, which was hosted by Rwandan artist Malaika Uwamahoro.

Sutherland's winning story is set aboard a sinking slave ship and poignantly explores how enslaved Africans reclaim their histories through storytelling in their final moments.

Expressing her pride in representing her homeland, Sutherland dedicated her award to every Vincentian child who dares to dream big despite their circumstances.

Vilsoni Hereniko, the chair of judges, praised Sutherland's work as 'deep and profound,' calling it an allegory that underscores the power of storytelling.

In addition to her award-winning story, Sutherland is set to launch a collection of short stories titled 'Child' in 2026, which will delve into themes of girlhood, migration, and the Caribbean diaspora.

She hopes her victory will encourage more writers from small islands to share their unique stories, highlighting their significance and value.

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize, valued at £5,000, is awarded annually for the best unpublished short fiction from the Commonwealth's five regions.