BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A few hours after the names of the sensational six contestants for this year’s National Carnival Queen Pageant were revealed, SKNVibes received an email claiming that the pageant was rigged.
In an article titled “Was St Kitts-Nevis Miss National Queen Pageant rigged this year?” sent by “Voice SKN”, the article claimed that the pageant chairperson, former National Carnival and Caribbean Jaycees Queen, Nicole Gumbs approached a number of young ladies and requested their participation in this year’s pageant.
The article stated that Gumbs created a “stumbling block for other young ladies who had their hopes on becoming the next Miss National Carnival Queen and after taking time out to complete the application form were not even seen as contenders in this year’s show.”
“This is very strange as the facebook page which normally communicates with the general public kept imploring young ladies to apply, when Nicole, Pageant Chair, had already selected her girls,” the article stated.
However, in an interview with SKNVibes, Gumbs refuted the claims and referred to them as “propaganda” and said that any female between the ages of 18-25 can apply for the pageant and that forms are available at the Carnival Secretariat.
“We are looking for someone to be a representative of St. Kitts and Nevis and to be a proud Ambassador. We try to choose the best of the best from the selection,” she said.
Gumbs said that the deadline was extended because a number of persons were not aware that they were accepting applicants and had missed the deadline.
She said that she was contacted by a number of persons who were interested in being in the pageant and decided to extend the deadline.
The article also stated: “Persons are now questioning if the requesting method is one that has been applied over the years and if so, why? One other question that is stained on the minds of Kittitians and Nevisians, if there is anybody assisting Nicole in the selection of the National Carnival Queen Pageant Contestants.”
Gumbs said that there is a selection process which includes a series of questions to the Carnival Queen hopefuls by a team of persons when choosing the final contestants.
“It is not uncommon for the chairperson or members of the committee to see someone and think there is something special about them to ask them to try out. I can do that during Carnival, after or before, that’s how it’s been for years. One of the contestants for this year even said she was approached a couple years ago.
Gumbs said that in terms of the selection of the queen, the winner is the judges’ decision.
“I think the National Carnival Queen, should be a people person, role model, confident, humble, of good character, talented and someone who can represent us regionally and internationally.”
Gumbs, who has also chaperoned contestants in the past before becoming chairperson of the National Queen Pageant in 2010, said they had a total of 11 applicants.
She said the selection process was done over a two-day period and that the committee had a difficult time choosing the final six contestants.
“We had to look deep. But I’m proud and happy with the decision and final selection and I wish all the girls the best on their journey,” she said.
The 2011 National Carnival Queen Pageant is slated to take place December 27 at Warner Park.
The six contestants that will compete are Desri Weekes, Trevecia Adams, Jody Carter, Markysa O’Loughlin, Kalia Huggins and Verlyn Williams.
The reigning National Carnival Queen, Iantavian Queen did St. Kitts and Nevis proud when she captured the Miss Carival and Miss Caribbean Jaycees titles during her reign.
