CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE Miss Culture Pageant will this year be one of the most anticipated events in the Nevis Culturama celebrations as six charming and charismatic young ladies will be competing for the title.
This year, the Pageant Committee is under the leadership of Garett Skeete who has a 10-year-old experience in pageantry.
Garett and his team have organised a number of activities for the contestants to help with their personal development for the pageant, as well as creating buzz and public awareness.
It was in 2004 he and a group of persons, whom he referred to as “The Dream Team”, successfully trained their first contestant for the Miss Culture Pageant.
There is no doubt that under Skeete’s leadership the pageant will be nothing short of success this year.
His vision for the pageant is one of an experience no one will ever forget.
“Not only for the contestants but also patrons to this year’s pageant,” he said. “I would like the contestants to be well prepared and give to the public quality performances, and the show is well produced where elements of quality preparation is exhibited throughout the show.
“I would like individuals who attend this year’s pageant to walk away with two things - culture and creativity.”
Skeete said that the Miss Culture Pageant provides the best opportunity for talented beauties of the Federation to showcase their talent and to be ambassadors for Nevis.
He also noted that achieving personal growth, exposure, attractive prizes, making new friends and having lifetime memories are also added pluses for the contestants.
The winner of the Miss Culture Pageant must be readily available during her reigning year to the Nevis Island Administration and the Nevis Cultural Development Foundation (NCDF) to act as an ambassador for the island of Nevis in various capacities.
Skeete stated that for the duration of her reign, she is required to champion a social cause of personal interest and or major significance, partnering with existing interest groups in furtherance of this goal.
He said that the Miss Culture would cause herself to be seen as an active spokesperson for this cause as well as other activities deemed appropriate by the NCDF.
When asked about the queen being more active during her reign, the Chairman agreed and said that her presence needs to be felt more during her reign.
“This year we hope that we will provide avenues for the Miss Culture to do much more in the society. We would want her involved in various activities as well as participate in regional shows if possible,” he said. “We would also allow her to continue to champion the fight against breast cancer awareness which is a focal point of this year’s pageant.”
This year’s contestants are Miss Island Tyres and Hardware Tamerelle Browne, Miss Carib Brewery SKN Ltd. Mika O’Brien, Miss LIME Tatiana Dore, Miss Coastal Air Transport Masinda Nisbett, Miss St. Kitts-Nevis Development Bank Kishsandra Williams, and Miss NAGICO Insurance Cindy Liburd.
The winner will receive a grand prize of EC$10 000 as well as other monetary gifts and prizes.
On Sunday, July 12, the sensational six will be starring in a fashion show at the Netball Complex displaying outfits from various fashion houses in Charlestown and will showcase the latest fashion for Culturama.
There will also be designs showcased by local designers of St. Kitts and Nevis as the event will be a spectacular affair with red carpet beginning at 6:00 p.m.
There will also be special appearances by some of the past winners and the reigning Miss St. Kitts-Nevis World, Venetta Zakers.
The fashion show starts at 7:00 p.m.
The contestants would be competing in 10 categories on the two nights of the pageant – July 26 and August 2.
On the first night there will be a Cultural Attire and Speech Competitions, along with One and Two-piece Swimsuit segments.
On August 2, the six beauties will earn points in Promotional Speech, National Costume, Talent, Evening Wear and Interview segments. Each segment carries a maximum of 35 points.
The reigning Miss Culture Queen is Taneisha Hendrickson.
