BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CONTESTANT number three Dorri Benjamin has captured the title of Antigua Queen of Carnival that was held last night (Jul. 26).
Benjamin was followed by First Runner-up Bernie Dupie and second runner-up Daina Barnes. In addition to the crown, Benjamin won prizes for the Public Speaking segment (a new segment), Best Costume Designer (worn by Benjamin), Best Costume and Winner of the Evening Wear, while Bernie Dupie and Daina Barnes captured the First and Second Runners-up positions respectively.
The talent segment was won by Barnes while Dupie won the Swimwear segment and was also adjudged Miss Photogenic.
The other contestants were Kerry Shaw, who won the award for Miss Congeniality; Jamella Isaac, who won the prize for the Best Evening Wear Design; Azaria Lavia, took the prize for the Question and Answer segment; and Shenique Berry.
The 20-year-old Benjamin, who is a student of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, said in a previous interview that she had always wanted to participate in a pageant and was overjoyed when she was accepted as a contestant for the Antigua Queen of Carnival.
She also said that if crowned she would target the culture in Antigua and Barbuda by helping to advertise the talents that the youths in her country possess.
“Right now tourism is our main industry and it’s not really being portrayed the way it should be. And I think that what needs to be done is that tourists need to know that Antigua is more than just sun, sea, and sand. They have talent and the youths need to show that talent,” she said.
In terms of advice to potential contestants for next year’s event, Benjamin said preparation is the key.
“Future contestants need to be prepared; they need to come with the mindset that it’s not something easy. You have to really know what you are getting into. And before they enter this competition they need to be ready and willing for the stress, for the hard work and the body pain. They need to put their all into it and they will succeed.”
Benjamin will be competing against St. Kitts’ National Reigning Queen Sudeakka Francis in the Miss Jaycees Pageant on Friday, July 30.
