ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – THE Education for Advancement-Antigua and Barbuda-sponsored Shelano Ayako Tatum George was last evening (July 27) crowned the 2009 Antigua Carnival Queen.
The 21-year-old, who hails from the Clare Hall community in Antigua, won the title from a field of six other contestants.
George walked away with three of the four segments including Best Talent, Best Interview and Best Evening Wear while also winning the Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic awards.
In the First Runner-up position was Ryancia Henry, who also captured the Best Swimsuit segment; while Second Runner-up Jenel Alexander was announced winner of the ‘Best Theme’.
An official from the Carnival Committee said that the contestants were all assigned a theme which they had to incorporate into each segment. The themes were centered on the carnival celebrations and included ‘Soca’ and ‘Mas’.
The other contestants were Sharlene Colthard, Nathalia Barnes, Melissa Bird and Jahmeel Jones.
That official also said that the National Costume segment was not judged because one of the contestants, Bird, fell on stage while performing.
George, who dons dreadlocks, will be representing her island in the Miss Caribbean Jaycees Queen Pageant on Friday, July 31.
She is pursuing a course in Business Administration at ABIIT, with a view of acquiring an Associate’s Degree. Her career goal is to become an entrepreneur with aspirations of managing her own Spa.
Currently, she is employed at the Jolly Beach Resort and Spa as an Entertainment Coordinator and is a member of the Women of Antigua (WOA); an organisation that is very passionate about violence against women.
Antigua News