Charlestown, Nevis – July 31, 2007
Miss Dominica Leandra Lander walked away with the coveted Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant crown from a field of 10 contestants while Miss Nevis Cari Nicholas placed second, Miss Jamaica Kaysia Johnson third and Miss Anguilla Latoya Hughes fourth.
The pageant which is in its second year was held at the Cultural Complex in Charlestown on Friday July 27, 2007. It was attended by Premier of Nevis the Hon. Joseph Parry and the Hon Hensley Daniel Minister with responsibility for Culture on Nevis.
The contest drew contestants from Bardados Ms Stacy Cummins, Grenada Ms. Sharnell Martin, Guyana Ms. Wendy Walcott, Montserrat Ms. Techar Cuffy, St. Maarten Ms. Shanyra Nicholas and the USVI Ms. Jenicia Dalminda.
Miss Congeniality was won by Ms. Jamaica. Miss Photogenic went to Ms. Anguilla, Best Swimwear was captured by Ms. Nevis, while Ms. Dominica also won Best Interview, Best Eveningwear and Best talent.“I thank God for pulling me through he is an awesome God and he gave me the confidence and the energy that I needed to win tonight. I love you Dominica and I am happy that I made you proud again. Nevis was a great experience it reminds me of home and it was wonderful,” Ms.Lander said, moments after last year’s queen Ms Jamilla Parris of Nevis placed the crown on her head.
She said the theatrical group Thiat Pawol was also in Nevis to represent Dominica in the Drama Festival and their energy was wonderful support for her.
The contestants appeared in four segments. During the fanfare, the contestants appeared with the reigning Miss Caribbean Culture Queen in a short routine to set the stage for the contest.
In the first round of competition the contestants paraded in swimwear of their choice while in the second round they performed a talent piece. In the third round they modelled an evening wear of their choice and were interviewed.
Ahead of the contest, Minister with responsibility for Culture on Nevis the Hon. Hensley Daniel told the participants, that given their youthfulness and charm, they held the keys for future regional integration and co-operation.
He said they had come to Nevis to participate in an event at a time when the island celebrated its Culturama festival and therefore the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen pageant added another dimension to the festival.
“With so many countries participating, this represents an opportunity for the diffusion of various aspects of Caribbean culture into the Nevisian society”¦bear in mind that this pageant can help you to broaden your horizons and enjoy a more informed perspective of the Caribbean,” he said.
Meantime Pageant Organiser Mr. Randy Jeffers of Braziers Estate said that the show met his expectations and thanked the patrons.
When asked what his driving force to organise the pageant he said the Culturama festival needed something more exciting.
“I think Culturama wanted a boost and I think this contributes to it. The turnout was bigger this year. Chances are I might do it again next year,” he said.
He also added that the Pageant was his contribution to aid in the integration of the Caribbean people and to showcase the region’s people and culture.