Jasia Cornelius has emerged as the winner of the highly anticipated Snap and Share 59 Photography Competition, cementing her place among Guyana’s most talented up-and-coming photographers.
The announcement was made earlier today during a vibrant prize-giving ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
Cornelius’ striking image — a captivating shot of a one-year-old Akawaio child standing in an open field in Omenaik Village, Imbaimadai (Region Seven) — received the highest number of likes among the 59 shortlisted entries, earning her the coveted top prize.
For her winning photo, she was awarded a $500,000 cash prize, a DSLR camera valued at $400,000 from the ministry, and a weekend getaway for two at Karanambu Lodge, courtesy of Karanambu.
The second prize went to Shavanne Fiedtkou, who received $300,000 in cash and a trip to Kaieteur Falls, sponsored by Evergreen Adventures. Kyle Joseph captured third place, winning $150,000 in cash and an ATV adventure sponsored by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Other top winners included: Quadad DeFreitas in fourth place with $100,000 and a GTA-sponsored Sunset Tour; Gilan Simon, fifth place, receiving $75,000 and a Sunset Tour for four, courtesy of The Off-Road Experience (TORE); and Chelsea Peters, sixth place, awarded $30,000 plus a restaurant voucher worth $30,000, courtesy of Cara Lodge Hotel.
In addition, Dena James received the special “Winner’s Choice” award for her stunning photograph of the Kopinang Waterfalls in Region Eight — an honour voted on by participants, sponsors, and officials.
The remaining Top 20 photographers include Amanda Richards, Lisa Lam, Luke McKenna, Sunita Mohabir, Amanda Ng-A-Fook, Loreen Anthony, Rivaldo Williams, Ella Sahai, Chris Elliman, Jennifer Persaud-Dipnarine, Nathan Chinapen, Shekesa Daniels, and Clifton Harry.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, praised the photographers for their role in showcasing Guyana’s beauty to the world. She highlighted that this year’s competition attracted more than 1,600 submissions, which collectively amassed over 16.8 million views and nearly 400,000 online engagements.
“This competition continues to demonstrate the power of citizen-driven tourism marketing,” Minister Walrond said, adding that “Each image posted helps to tell the story of Guyana, and every photographer plays a key role in marketing our country to the world.”
Now in its fifth year, the Snap and Share 59 Photography Competition has become a cornerstone for both amateur and professional photographers, inspiring Guyanese to share the nation’s rich natural and cultural heritage through their lenses.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce expressed its gratitude to this year’s sponsors — including Evergreen Adventures, Karanambu, Cara Lodge, The Off-Road Experience, and Waikin Ranch — for their continued support in making the competition a success.
The top 59 images will be featured in the annual Snap and Share 59 Magazine, which is slated for publication before the end of 2025.
Cornelius receives her prize from Minister Walrond
