In 1988, the Caribbean Examinations Council introduced an award for the Best Short Story written by a candidate during the stringent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate(R) (CSEC(R)) English A (Language) examination.

Under pressure for time in a high-stakes environment, the young writers produced gripping narratives that not only spoke to quality of imagination but also the command of language that the Council sought to cultivate in their language syllabus.

Addressing provocative themes such as death, murder, and illness, this Commemorative Compilation of the winning short stories for the participating years from 2002 to 2013 marks the Council's 40th anniversary. With works from Angelina Autar, Shivanee Ramlochan, Lianna Baboolal, Mario J. Guevara, Grace-Ann Olivia Collins, Denise Westfield, Shantal Venessa Pellington, Zoie Hamilton, Nathan Benjamin Indarsingh, Ilona Loustric, and Nathaniel Adiah, this compelling collection includes the best short story from each year-as well as a retrospective of the writer's examination experience and an update on their lives today.

Filled with rich imagery and diverse writing styles, these compelling dramatic stories will appeal not only to those seeking quality works by young Caribbean candidates, but also teachers and learners preparing for future CSEC English A examinations.