A prize-winning writer from Trinidad and Tobago is at the center of a growing debate over artificial intelligence after questions emerged about whether AI was used in his award-winning short story.
The controversy involves Jamir Nazir, one of five regional winners of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize announced on May 14. The final winner is expected to be named in June.
Nazir’s story, ‘The Serpent in the Grove’, set in rural Trinidad, was praised by judges for its vivid language and imagery. One judge described the writing as “sublime” and “richly evocative.”
However, questions soon surfaced online about whether the story may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence.
The issue escalated after publisher Granta said it used an AI chatbot, Claude, to assess the text. According to Granta, the system concluded that the story was “almost certainly not produced unaided by a human.”
Sigrid Rausing, publisher of Granta, said it remains unclear whether the award may have gone to work involving AI assistance, adding that the story could remain published until a final review is completed by the Commonwealth Foundation.
She also noted the irony that AI tools are now being used to help detect possible AI-generated writing.
Granta said its editors were not involved in selecting the winners beyond routine copy editing, and expressed concern over growing speculation around the case.
Nazir could not be reached for comment, and no contact details were provided by the publishers.
The case comes amid wider concern in the publishing world over the use of AI in creative writing, including recent incidents where book deals were withdrawn over similar allegations.
The Commonwealth Foundation said it is taking the allegations seriously and has launched a review of the judging process.
Its director-general Razmi Farook said the organisation aims to ensure its award system can address the growing challenges posed by AI in creative work.
He added that while the issue is complex, the tone of public debate around it has become increasingly concerning.
Online discussions have intensified, with users highlighting unusual phrases from the story and questioning its originality. Some have also pointed to inconsistencies in Nazir’s online presence and profile images.
Nazir, who also has a poetry book listed on Amazon titled ‘Night Moon Love: Poems For All Those Who Have Loved Or Dreamed Of Love’, maintains a low online profile despite the recent attention.
The author’s biography on the Commonwealth Foundation website states that he hopes readers reflect on moral questions raised by his work and the consequences of everyday choices.