Winners for Best Book and Best First Book in the 2008 Commonwealth Writers' Prize will be announced at the Undercroft, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus at 6: 30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23.

There are 11 Canadians shortlisted in the two categories in addition to the Jamaican writer, Erna Brodber, whose The Rainmaker's Mistake is shortlisted in the Best Book category. The announcement of the winners will be made by former Commonwealth Writers' Prize winner, celebrated Jamaican writer, Olive Senior, and by political and economic counsellor, Mr Blair Bobyk of the Canadian High Commission.

In addition, acclaimed Jamaican writers and theatre practitioners-Edward Baugh, Mervyn Morris, Tanya Shirley, Jean Small, Carolyn Allen and Brian Heap will read from the 12 shortlisted works. Musical selections will be provided by accomplished Jamaican musician, Yekengale. The event is open to the general public.

The Commonwealth Writers' Prize is presented annually by the Commonwealth Foundation. It aims to reward the best Commonwealth fiction written in English, by both established and new writers, and to take their works to a global audience. The prize is now in its 22nd year. It is organised and funded by the Commonwealth Foundation with the support of the Macquarie Group Foundation across four regions.