Marketing and Public Relations Officer crowned new National Carnival Queen

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SUDEAKKA FRANCIS, Marketing and Public Relations Officer of National Caribbean Insurance Company Limited, outdistanced her closest rival by 57.5 points to win the coveted title of 2009/2010 National Carnival Queen. 

The competition, held last evening (Dec. 28) at Carnival Village, saw Francis from among a field of six beautiful and intelligent competitors taking home the crown and prizes for three of the five judged segments. 

The 24-year-old National Bank Group of Companies-sponsored beauty tallied 466.5 points, capturing the Swim Suit, Talent and Interview segments in her walk to victory. She was also presented the Special Chairman’s Award for the contestant who arrived on time for all activities that led up to the show. 

This award gave her an extra two points. The First Runner-up position went to Miss Carib Breweries Limited Lanein Blanchette with 409 points. She won the Best Evening Wear segment, Miss Photogenic and the People’s Choice Award, which was a texting promotion organised by LIME and SKNVibes.com. Miss Development Bank Mascinda Nisbett of Nevis was adjudged Second Runner-up with 400.5 points. 

The other contestants were Miss Carnival Committee Shannecia Demming, who won Best Costume and was also awarded Miss Amity by her fellow contestants; Miss Petro Caribe Gallio Gumbs; and Miss St. Kitts Music Festival Natasha Benjamin. Although the show started 24 minutes after the scheduled time, the results did not take too long to reach the hands of Clement ‘Monarch O’Garro and Shamara Morton who were the host and hostess for the event. 

This year’s Pageant has been recorded as one of the best National Carnival Queen Pageants in recent times, as Francis performed outstandingly in all segments. It is also the view of many patrons that she would represent the Federation with distinction in regional pageants slated for 2010. 

Being an advocate for strong parent/child relationships, Francis’ Talent performance was a dramatic dance in which she depicted a young girl who was hurt by all the criminal activities occurring on her homeland. During her performance, she showed off her amazing skills and flexibility, as some of her dance moves were similar to that of a contortionist. Her Interview segment must be mentioned as she seemed the most relaxed, confident and self-assured. 

She declared that she is an advocate for strong bonds between parents and children, which she feels could help to alleviate some of the social ills plaguing the Federation. She also stated that she is the product of a single parent home. 

Francis obtained a First Class Honours Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business at the Plattsburgh State University and has a strong passion for dancing, which she feels has attributed to her being a confident and poised young lady. 

She is also about to pursue a Master’s degree in Marketing Research as well as becoming a professional dancer. 

Some of the side acts for the night included Vivace Dance Company; CFBC Dance Ensemble; 4-peat Calypso King, Konris Maynard; and Rolhensha; while the house band for was d’Vybz.