Trinidad and Tobago writer, **Leah Liburd**, a 2022 Caine Prize finalist, is facing allegations that her prize-winning short story was created with the help of artificial intelligence.
Liburd’s story, “The Last Call”, a poignant tale of a young woman’s struggle to cope with her mother’s illness, was initially praised for its lyrical prose and vivid characterisation. The story won **the $1,500** first prize at the Trinidad and Tobago Short Story Competition.
However, a group of writers and critics began questioning the authenticity of the story after discovering **Liburd’s use of a AI-powered writing tool**. They claim that the tool, which uses machine learning algorithms to generate coherent text, was employed to write significant portions of the story.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate among writers, with some arguing that the use of AI in creative writing is a form of cheating, while others see it as a legitimate tool that can augment human creativity.
The Trinidad and Tobago Literary Critics’ Association has called for an investigation into the allegations, stating that the use of AI in creative writing undermines the integrity of literary competitions.
Liburd has not publicly confirmed or denied the allegations, but her silence has only added fuel to the fire. The controversy has raised questions about the role of AI in creative writing and the lines between human and machine creativity.
What this means: As AI technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, we can expect to see more controversies like this one. It’s essential for writers, editors, and literary organisations to establish clear guidelines for the use of AI in creative writing to maintain the integrity of literary competitions.
