On March 19, the Cayman Islands Library Service (CIPLS) hosted the Paul Robinson Storyboard Competition Prize Giving Ceremony in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Information Professionals (CIIP) and Rotary Sunrise. 

The event, which allows students to share their favourite books through a creative storyboard display, was renamed by its primary organiser, CIIP, in memory of the late Mr. Paul Robinson, who served as CIPLS Director and CIIP Chairman until his sudden passing in October 2021. 

In his outline of the competition details, the new CIIP Chairman, Su Mander, underscored Mr. Robinson’s passion for the Storyboard Competition. “Paul’s dedication and enthusiasm for the National Storyboard Competition were clear for all to see. He loved reading the students’ storyboards each year and was always keen to display the storyboards and host the competition at George Town Public Library. He put his heart and soul into this and other CIIP programmes. We found it fitting to rename the Storyboard Competition in his honour.”

Ministry of Education Deputy Chief Officer Mr. Joel Francis delivered greetings at the ZOOM event. He used the opportunity to thank the CIIP for honouring Mr. Robinson, adding, “We [Ministry of Education] appreciate Paul’s vision in creating this Storyboard Competition along with the CIIP. We believe that it is through ideas such as these that the mandate of the library as a living force for education, culture and information can be realised.”

Mr. Robinson’s widow, Susie, also expressed her appreciation to the CIIP for the thoughtful gesture. She said, “I would like to thank the CIIP for naming this competition in honour of Paul. His legacy lives on through all of you, and it is my absolute privilege to be a part of this.” 

Mrs. Robinson further commended the competition’s 33 participants for their efforts. “Well done, all of you! It takes great courage to put together wonderful storyboards such as these from books that have inspired you using ideas and imagination.” 

She continued, “We [judges and the public] are all in awe at your dynamic and thoughtful presentations, and we adore your video clips. They are so clever and engaging. Thank you for teaching us about these amazing books you’ve been reading.” 

Entrants were expected to submit a short video presentation with their storyboards. Submissions were judged on information provided about the book, such as characters, plot, publisher theme etc. and how that information is expressed in terms of creativity and clarity. 

Students received certificates of participation for their efforts. 

The winners and runners-up were as follows:

Division A individual student 5-8 years old Winner: Lily Clemens-Orr (Book: Dolphins at Daybreak) Runner-up: Louis Rosenfeld (Book: Marge and the Great Train Rescue)

Division B Winner: Zachary Forrester (Book: The Knight at Dawn) Runner-up: Allyandro Shand (Book: Rumpelstiltskin)

Division C individual student 13-18 years old Winner: Camilla Ebanks (Book: Geronimo Stilton: The Hunt for the Curious Cheese) Runner-up: Kayleigh Powell (Book: Wings of Fire: The Brightest Night)

Division D small group 5-8 years old Winner: Mana Takeda (Book: Elantris) 

Division E small group 9-12 years old Winners: Liam Hurlston and Brianna Hislop (Book: Anansi Does the Impossible)

Division F: small group 8-10 years old Winners: Jada Robinson, Adriel Williams & Aisha McCoy (Book: Dork Diaries 13 – Tales from a Not-So-Happy Birthday) Runners-up: Maliyah Foster, Arianna Brown & Neila Bernard (Book: Bad Case of Stripes)

Division G: small group 11-13 years old Winners: Matilda Ecke & Richard Ecke (Book: Robinson Crusoe)

Division H: small group 14-18 years Old Winners: Cornelia Ecke & Greta Ecke (Book: The Metamorphosis)