Bermuda’s women authors are to get special recognition for their contribution to island literature.

The literary awards on Sunday will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the publication of the landmark book Transitions: Voices of Bermuda Women.

The Crystal Butterfly Literary Awards were organised by Dale Butler, a former Progressive Labour Party MP and minister, who is also an historian and author.

Mr Butler said Transitions, published in 1994, was “a book ahead of its time”.

The book, which included reflections on sexual harassment, became a catalyst for women to tell their stories.

Among the eight being recognised on April 7 is Claudette Cann, a retired nurse who went on to publish two novels.

Ms Cann told The Royal Gazette that the awards had left her “truly, humbly blessed”.

She said she was encouraged to write by her husband, Sheridan, plus children and grandchildren — as well as by her third place in the Gazette’s Christmas Short Story Contest in 2008.

Ms Cann added: “I hope that when others turn the pages, they will enjoy them just as much as I did writing them.”

The awards, at the Discovery Room cafeteria in CedarBridge Academy, will be held under the patronage of radio host Nikita Robinson of Hott 107.5, who has championed literacy and women’s causes.

Martin Buckley, manager of The Bookmart in Front Street’s Brown & Co, will reveal what books customers want to read, and women in particular.

Patrice Frith Hayward, another recipient of a Crystal Butterfly said she was “honoured to be recognised among such talented and amazing women”.

An author and playwright, she has produced seven Bermudian-based stage plays, with Mr Butler a patron of her second production.

Ms Hayward said: “It’s amazing to be recognised in Bermuda and by Bermudians. I’m in awe of all that Mr Butler does — for the arts, for theatre and the literary world.”

Kathy Kawaley spoke on behalf of her mother, historian and author Elizabeth Musson Kawaley.

She said: “She’s very modest — when I told her Dale was giving her an award, she asked ‘what on earth for?’.

“But she is thrilled.

“Her work is about the life in Bermuda that used to be and takes us back in time.”

Elizabeth Kawaley’s memoirs, which her daughter helped illustrate, are “stories based on fact that invite us to time-travel”.

Kathy Kawaley said: “Dale was there from the start, encouraging her.”

Shirley Pearman, an author and historian, was encouraged by Mr Butler in 2016, right after the publication of her book Hands On! The Art of Traditional Crafts and Play in Bermuda.

Mr Butler suggested she apply for an Eric Hoffer Award, named after the American philosopher and champion of small presses.

Ms Pearman said: “Last year I was pleasantly surprised when I received the award.

“Nothing monetary is associated with it.

“It was all a labour of love, but thanks to Mr Butler, it’s out there, spreading a little of Bermuda’s culture.”

Her contribution was also recognised last month by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

She added: “My culture brought me to where I am. There has to be something good in that.”

The Crystal Butterfly winners will be entertained by music from Val Sherwood, whose collection Cat Tales came out last year.

Ms Sherwood said: “It feels wonderful. I’m a first-time author. Some of these ladies have written several books.”

She added her writing was aimed at animal lovers, but that she was also “keen to see young children reading”.

Mr Butler said it was a tough job to narrow the shortlist of women authors, but that another series of awards was planned for May 5.

The Triumph of the Spirit Award will go to Joy Wilson Tucker, a playwright, researcher and North Village historian. Ms Wilson Tucker said she had been writing since she was aged 12.

She later wrote about North Village, followed by a history of the Oddfellows Lodge, before she started architectural research for the Bermuda National Trust.

Ms Wilson Tucker was awarded the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour in 1991, and in 1994 became a founding member of the Bermuda Heritage Museum.

She said: “I give all kudos to Dale. I wish I could bottle his energy.”

The Crystal Butterfly Awards, which will also honour Neletha Butterfield, Cha’Von Clarke Joell and Rosemary Jones, will start at 1.30pm.

Tickets are $45 from the Music Box or Islandkaddy, both on Hamilton’s Reid Street, the Leopards Club on Cedar Avenue and the Pie Factory on Parliament Street.