BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SOMETIME after 1:00 this morning (May 26), the announcement was made, and while all were not in agreement, the judges’ decision that Contestant Number Five in the 2012 Miss Green Valley Queen Pageant – Jerleen Pemberton – was the winner of the competition, was final.
Pemberton was up against four other young ladies: Teresita Stephen, TracyAnn Gaskin, Shenniqua Cannonier and Sasha Johnson, all “Beautiful with a Purpose”, who were required to make appearances in five adjudged segments: Introductory Speech, Talent, Creative Wear, Interview and Evening Wear.
The show – which was held at the Sand Box, Cayon on May 25 - got off to a late start but by 9:10 p.m., the audience caught their first glimpse of the contestants who appeared in their opening item, the Fanfare.
The presentations made by the contestants highlighted notable persons in the Green Valley community and paid tribute in different shapes and forms to fallen men and women of the area.
As the show progressed, it was clear who the crowd’s favourites were, with Stephen and Johnson pulling the greatest positive response from the audience.
Johnson won herself the titles of Miss Congeniality, Miss Community Spirit and the People’s Choice for Miss Photogenic.
She was, however, unable to achieve the best point standing in any of the adjudged segments.
Cannonier was the judges’ choice for Best Introductory Speech, Best Onstage Interview and Best Evening Wear.
Gaskin’s “Melee for Sale” presentation was a crowd pleaser, recounting some of the juicy gossip which circulated through Green Valley over the years. She won the Best Talent title.
Johnson’s Creative Wear – a champagne glass-shaped two-piece ensemble made of sea grape leaves and sea grapes – won the judges over and she was named winner of that segment.
All contestants who arrived for the event prior to a specified time on that evening were awarded five extra points and all barring Cannonier received that award.
Gaskin copped the 2nd Runner Up position with a total of 403 points and 34 points ahead of her was Cannonier who was named 1st Runner Up.
With a margin of 14 points from her closest competitor, Pemberton was crowned Queen of the Sweet 16 edition of the Green Valley Festival. She amassed a total of 451 points.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, Pemberton said the competition challenged her but she persevered to success. She thanked all those who were instrumental in preparing her along this journey.
The well attended show was hosted by Nicola Thompson and featured side acts including - particularly pleasing to the audience – an appearance by ‘Cuttoe’ and ‘Dangles’ whose attire in female garb, effeminate mannerisms and dances evoked loud cheers.
