BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – NATIONAL Carnival Queen Sudeakka Francis will be representing the Federation in the coveted Miss Carival Pageant on Friday, July 2.
The other contestants are Miss Anguilla Sangrena Harris, Miss Antigua & Barbuda Shelana George, Miss British Virgin Islands, Jasmine Perez, Miss Dominica Marcia Baptiste, Miss Grenada, Beverly Victor, Miss Martinique Joane Daniele Lirus, Miss St Lucia Iva Satney, Miss Trinidad & Tobago Keda Lou-Ann Pascal, Miss Venezuela Lucia Di Matteo Cacua and Aphesha Mattews will be representing St. Vincent.
Francis will leave the island on Monday, June 28 and is expected to return Saturday, July 3. She said that this is her first pageant since capturing the National Carnival Queen title and is focused and determined to be successful.
“I am quite excited about meeting the other contestants and being a part of the Miss Carival experience. Just as I gave it my all for the National Carnival Queen Pageant, I will do the same at Miss Carival,” she said.
She said although there are no platforms for the Miss Carival Pageant, if the opportunity arises she would be enthused to speak about and promote “Building strong bonds between parents and children”, a platform she executed superbly during the National Carnival Queen competition last December.
Francis is also thrilled that she will be able to be an ambassador for her country at the pageant.
“I am quite thrilled about representing my twin-island Federation. There is no better feeling than when you stand in front of an audience as an ambassador of the land of your birth. It is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to represent St. Kitts and Nevis at this pageant,” she said.
In terms of her performance at the pageant, Francis was tight-lipped but hinted it would reflect hard work and dedication over the months.
“It is my desire to perform to the best of my ability, making not only myself but my country proud,” she said.
Francis also understands that she could not have been where she is today without thanking those who supported her in her endeavours. She said that she would like to thank God for giving her the strength to overcome her obstacles during her preparation for the event.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to my mother for always being by my side rendering her support and guidance,” she said. “I would not have been able to make it thus far without the kind assistance and encouragement from my chaperones, choreographers and team. To each one of you, I say thanks. I would also like to thank my family, friends, co-workers, community members, well wishers and all those who have assisted me in any way. Thank You!”
The show takes place at the Victoria Park, St. Vincent at 8.00 p.m.
