BASSETERRE, St. Kitts –THE recently-crowned Sugar Mas’ 40/40 National Carnival Queen, Kalia Huggins, says she is prepared for a year of hard work and has outlined her first order of business as queen.
During the pageant, which was held on December 27, 2011, Huggins talent focussed on the social ill of child abuse and, as she explained during an interview with SKNVibes, she would be speaking with the relevant authorities about creating sensitisation programmes.
“I definitely told my chaperon, even if I don’t win, I still want to pursue that platform which is child abuse and I am looking forward to pursuing it further. My first step would be to talk to Minister Marcella Liburd to find out who I am supposed to deal with in terms of starting programmes, because we definitely need to create awareness in this country. That’s where I am going to start.”
Queen Kalia explained that although her personal motto is “no fear”, when she was entering the competition she had some concerns and her confidence level was not where it was supposed to be. She said the fact that she had no previous experience in pageantry as compared to her competitors, did nothing to increase her level of confidence.
The public, she however explained, had a hand in providing that needed boost.
“Going into the pageant, I thought, I don’t have any experience and background in terms of pageantry and so it is an amazing feeling for me to come out on top. Starting out basically as the underdog, I used my motto of ‘no fear’ and that is how I did it. I am so excited.
“When I entered, I was sort of scared because no one really knew who I was. And, again, all the other contestants have been in other pageants so my confidence level was a bit low. And being able to go out there and show myself to the public and with the public support, I was able to build on my confidence.”
She said winning one of the most prestigious shows in the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis felt “like a dream” and her dream has come true. And for the next year, she would perform as one of the Federation’s ambassadors and wear proudly the crown of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Queen 2011/2012.
For those who assisted her along her journey to this point, Huggins says “thank you”.
“Thanks to my team, Ermelin, Joanne, Mikieda and all the other members of my team. I am also thankful for the support from my family. Even though they didn’t come out straight and say I have to win, I know they had my back all the way.”
