Several Caribbean nations are expected to be represented at the Miss Caribbean Queen International World Beauty Pageant to be staged in Jamaica on Saturday, November 23, at the National Arena in Kingston. This is the first time an international pageant will be staged here.
Now in its ninth year, the pageant began in Montreal, Canada under the direction of Trinidad-born Henry Antoine and wife Phillipa, and has developed over the years into a major pageant. It is use to promote the Caribbean to the rest of the world, by allowing non-Caribbean countries to compete.
The organisers have invited more than 50 countries to participate, and indications are that the final number of contestants will be about 30.
Representatives
Entries have been received from The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Island, England, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Nevis, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Toronto, Trinidad & Tobago, US Virgin Islands and Jamaica, said a news release from the organisers.
As host country, Jamaica is allowed two representatives. They are Nadine Thomas (Miss Clear Channel Communications) and first runner –up Faydene Roye (Miss Compact Car Rental) who were recently selected in a show at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. For the international finale, Nadine will be dressed by Dubar Apparel and Accessories, who dressed her for the Jamaica final and donated on of the main prizes to the international Queen – an exclusive wardrobe valued at sixty thousand dollars ($60,000). Elan and Stunning Boutiques will dress Faydene.
Reigning queen
Despite the strong international flavor, Caribbean contestants have more than held their own, with the reigning queen being Elsa Wilkin, a 22 year-old Nevisian who is currently pursuing studies in the United States.
Janice Edwards of St. Lucia won the crown in 1988, while Grenada’s Selena Rooker took the honour in 1989. In 1990 it was the turn of Lisa Williams of Jamaica, while in 1992. Trinidad’s Michelle Khan won the crown. The contestants will arrive in Montego Bay November 14, where they will spend four days courtesy of SuperClubs Breezes Bay, reveling in the beauty of Jamaica’s North Coast and participating in various official activities.
While in Kingston they will be guests of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Photo caption: The reigning Miss Caribbean International World, Nivisian Elsa Wilkin sharing a warm moment with Joe Issa (left) vice president of SuperClubs super inclusive resorts and Sam James, general manager of Grand Lido Resort.
Source: The Gleaner
