New writer wins Changmarín 2021

Larissa Liz Barrios, a new talent from Panamanian letters was selected for his work "Four Stories and a House filled with Books" as the winner of the 2021 version of the Carlos Francisco Changmarín Children's and Youth Literature Competition organized by the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) and that this year focused on the gender tale.

"Four stories and a house full of books," which was presented under the pseudonym "Coral" was chosen from among the 43 proposals that entered the contest and according to the Jury, the winning book possesses "an overflowing creativity that flows in a credible way, coupled with awaking critical judgments about value and respect for nature."

Additional, "it's a well-prepared child's work with precise dialogues and literary playful value, bawling creativity and skill in how to tell an original, fresh and fun story," stated the jury.

Also, their stories help to gain more verbal fluidity, promote imagination and strengthen knowledge in different cultural areas, "they highlight in their description of the malfunction of this contest.

Daniel Domínguez, national director of The Arts of MiCultura, stated that this year an important number of proposals have been received, the highest from the origin of this literary contest that has been at its age and that highlights the figure of Carlos Francisco Changmarín.

Dominguez added that Changmarín was one of the most complete writers that Panama had, as no artistic demonstration was alien to him, so we "dedicated special attention to this contest and we recognize through it writers who dedicated time and imagination to our children and youth through their writings.

The Jury of this version was composed of: Yolanda Hackshaw, Telsy América Sánchez and Carlos Raúl Acevedo.

About the winner:
Larissa Barrios became interested in reading at an early age and has been a lifelong apprentice since.

Her curiosity has led her to explore cities in different countries, to learn about bird observation and to try new recipes in the kitchen.

He has drafted applications representing his company at several competitions, including the Maritime Prize of the Americas organized by the Inter-American Commission of Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS).

He earned his award for his company in 2015 at the category of Environmentally Sustainable Waste Management and in 2016 at the category of Gender Initiatives at Ports.

He currently holds his profession as a supply chain consultant and an analyst on maritime issues.