Reigning Jaycees Caribbean Queen Ms Dominica Marah Jessamine Walter hopes for a three-peater by handing the baton over to her fellow country representative. (Photo By Martina Johnson)
First in the spotlight will be the land of reggae and dancehall; then the land best known for its carnival, followed by the land of the Pitons? and, of course, Wadadli. The list of the contestants in the 48th Annual Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show continues ?
The pageant will feature 10 contestants vying for the Jaycees Caribbean crown, including Miss Jamaica – Katrina Grant, Miss Trinidad & Tobago – Kelly Babooram, Miss St Lucia – Cathy Daniel, Miss Antigua & Barbuda – Shelana George, Miss Montserrat – Loralyn Fergus, Miss Barbados – Dannyele Leslie, Miss Dominica – Kayan Toussaint, Miss St Vincent & the Grenadines – Veronique Williams, Miss St Croix – Sheniqua Robinson and Miss St Kitts & Nevis Samantha Boone.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Bahamas and Guyana will not be represented.
The 10 delegates were formally introduced to the media during a welcome cocktail at The Siboney Lounge, Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts Wednesday evening.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who attended the activity, said he too is looking forward to tonight? show because what he has seen over the years has proven that Jaycees Queen Show is among the best of such competitions with its ?trend of high standards? while showcasing Caribbean talent and fostering integration in the region.
?I will most definitely be there, looking forward to the grand performances, because I know from the past, what Jaycees has brought to the table,? said the prime minister.
Meantime, Vice President of International Affairs and Public Relations of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Antigua, Elijah James, had this to say when asked about preparations for the show: ?Everything is hot, hot, hot ?
?They are all still looking at each other cross-eyed because you know it is a competition. We are preparing everything? dotting our I?s and crossing our T?s.
He added, ?The show itself, again, will be something to be remembered for 2009. Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show always brings something new and fresh to the table ? We are just looking for the indigenous groups to actually come out and support their different countries in numbers to make the show a success.?
Contestants will compete in interview, swimwear, performing talent and evening wear segments.
Dominica?s Marah Jessamine Walter is the reigning queen.
The pre-show, James said, will feature a local short film Hooked by Nigel Trellis of Tropical Films Antigua, giving patrons the opportunity to get a ?two for one entertainment special.?
Tickets can be purchased at JCI Antigua Secretariat in the Red Cross Building on Old Parham Road and at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG).
Tickets for the WIOC stand cost $15, Andy Roberts? stand costs $25, $30 for reserved tickets and $40 for tickets on the Vivian Richards? stand. Showtime is 7 pm.
