BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – EIGHT beautiful and intelligent young ladies will be competing for the crown of this year’s Miss Caribbean Culture Pageant to be held at the Cultural Complex in Nevis on Tuesday, July 27.
Last year the pageant was won by Miss St. Kitts Mariece Roberts and this year Lanein Blanchette, who was the First Runner-up in the 2009/10 national Carnival Queen Pageant, will be representing. Nevis will be represented by reigning Miss Culture Masinda Nisbettt.
According to the pageant’s promoter, Randy Jeffers, this would be the fifth year since the event was initiated. He noted that the pageant was born out of the need to add something new to the annual Culturama activities.
“I love pageants and it’s a way for me to give back to my community,” he said. Jeffers said the pageant gives the contestants an opportunity to showcase their talent and beauty to the general public.
In a release, pageant organiser Hazel Francis said the event was also designed to showcase true Caribbean beauty, intelligence and talent as well as to foster regional integration.
The other contestants are Sangrena Harris representing Anguilla, Sharlene Lindsay of Montserrat, Marcellina Ventura of St. Croix, Keda Lou-Ann Pascal of Trinidad and Tobago, Tanika Walton of Barbados and Marcia Baptiste of Dominica.
Francis stated that the Pageant would be staged under the theme “Embracing a Fusion of Caribbean Culture”. She pointed out that the theme was chosen because the organising committee believes that the Caribbean is a melting pot of traditions, customs, folklore.
“And our Caribbean beauties can bring these to the fore as they perform ambassadorial duties as representatives of the various countries,” she stated. “Emphasis will also be placed on talent and beauty, with a holistic approach to fulfill the role of Miss Caribbean Culture.”
The contestants will make appearances in the Introductory Speech, which will be presented in an ambassadorial wear; Swimsuit; Talent; Evening Wear; and the Interview. They will also set the tone of the night by appearing in the opening number.
Guest artistes will include Infamus, Knoris Maynard, Dagah, Pan Ensemble, and Eclectic Band featuring King Meeko, Karaoke Idol host Noah Mills, Lauren Barry and Ryhanna Wong.
Jeffers admitted to facing many challenges in the early stage of this year’s pageant, but quickly added that plans are going well since he gained assistance from several persons, including those from the Culturama Committee.
“It’s going to be a night of excitement, elegance and passion from Caribbean royalties, as the pageant is the synergy of Culturama,” Jeffers said.
He mentioned that in previous years the pageant had donated proceeds from the show to primary schools in the form of television and DVD players, and that plans are on the front burner to do the same this year.
“We plan to open an account where we will have funds to assist those that may be harshly affected by the hurricane season this year,” he added.
Dominica has dominated the pageant by winning in two successive years, while the first one was won by Miss Nevis and last year’s win went to St. Kitts.
The Pageant Committee also hopes to offer a package to Kittitians, who would be interested in travelling for the event via the ferries, by providing the option of purchasing a ticket that will cover the show and boat fees.
