BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE nine vivacious and dazzling young ladies vying for the title of Miss Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen 2013-2014 have promised a show like no other come tomorrow night (Dec. 30).
The committee responsible for the event had previously confirmed the participation of 11 islands but, at a press conference held yesterday afternoon (Dec. 28) at the Sugar Bay Club, it was announced that only nine islands would be represented at the show.
Contestant and Activities Coordinator Akilah Nisbett informed that Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana would not be participating in this year's show as expected. She however did not give details pertaining to the reason for the two countries’ absence.
The participating beauties are 17-year-old Irveeka Nisbett (Nevis), 18-year-old Pauline Francis (St. Lucia), 14-year-old Pernelle Abraham (St. Kitts), 16-year-old Vanice Tuitt (Montserrat), 18-year-old Heidi Barrow (Barbados), 18-year-old Jasmine Laville (Dominica), 18-year-old Josselle Fisher (Jamaica), 15-year-old Dejanique Ledee (United States Virgin Islands) and 15-year-old Leanne Purcell (Grenada).
At the press conference, media representatives met the vivacious ladies who all said that they were set and ready to put on a great show.
When asked how preparations were coming along, each said that the task was not an easy one as they all had to juggle school studies and pageant practice sessions.
They however indicated that they have managed to overcome the obstacles by properly balancing their time.
Ledee, representing the USVI, appeared to be the most confident as, when asked what new thing she would be bringing to the stage, she boldly answered: "If you want to know, come on out to the show and you will see."
Among those in attendance at the press conference was the reigning Talented Teen, Junika Berry, who encouraged the young ladies to remain dedicated and resolute despite how difficult the pageant world might be.
"Stay dedicated because you are going to get lots of distraction. You are going to be tired, you are going to be frustrated and also some emotions are going to be coming out because you are seeing your competitors...but just stay dedicated. Regardless of all the obstacles you are going to go through, know that you have a goal and stick to it. And, also have fun."
She thanked the organisers for allowing her the opportunity to represent not only the Federation but also the Caribbean.
She added that representing Haynes Smith Pageant has allowed her to, among other things, meet many people from different walks of life for which she said she is "utterly grateful" because "it truly has changed my life".
Also present were Pageant Chairman Antonio Maynard and Production Assistant Camish Smithen.
Maynard welcomed the contestants to St. Kitts and informed that the committee has "a few surprises" for the patrons with regards to entertainment on the night of the show.
He also stated that Gharlic from Nevis would be a guest performer while comedian Fat Man George from Grenada would be one of the hosts.
One of the most looked-forward-to segment of the show is the Production Number which Smithen promised would be "very exciting".
She explained that the theme for that segment would represent Caribbean women empowerment which would be choreographed by the Federation's very own Desi Brown.
The ladies will be having an eventful weekend leading up to the night of the show. Last night they dined with the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence.
Today, the ladies would be having lunch with the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party’s candidate for Constituency Number Three, Konris Maynard.
They will also be having lunch tomorrow with the Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Three, the Hon. Sam Condor and his wife.
Sponsors for the event include Digicel, SL Horsford’s, Carib Brewery, Minster and Ministry of Tourism, Development Bank and St. Kitts-Nevis Carnival.
The 34th Annual Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant will be held at Sugar Mill in Warner Park at 8:00 p.m. tomorrow and tickets are being sold at $50.
