Queen of Carnival 2012 Ranee Laronde is flanked by first runner up Andrena Athill (left) and second runner up Daveile Payne-Abbott. (photo by Gemma Hazelwood)
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – It was just over 24 hours ago that Ranee Laronde copped the title of Queen of Carnival 2012 but she has no time to absorb her victory.
The new queen has to focus on sharpening her performance as she hopes to secure another victory in the Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show this Friday.
With little time to strengthen the game plan ahead of the first part of the show slated for tonight, the queen, who was teary-eyed during the crowning, told OBSERVER Media yesterday she will work doubly hard tonight and for the finals Friday.
“I am ready for it,” Laronde said. “I am going to make you proud. I have worked hard and hard work pays off.”
The winner trumped her five competitors to walk away with the coveted title. She proved without a doubt that consistency was the key to winning the much-anticipated crown in a competition described by many patrons as the best production in a very long time.
In addition to winning the title and a brand new Kia Rio, compliments Harney Motors, the 20-year-old won the eveningwear and swimwear segments.
Her evening gown was designed by Ckhuerckh Vhann Kelte and entitled “Instinct, call of the wild.” It also attracted the best eveningwear designer award.
Also in the winner’s circle are Miss Myst Carnival Andrena Athill and Miss Education for Advancement Daveile Payne-Abbott. Athill was adjudged first runner-up, while Payne-Abbott emerged second runner-up, and winner of the costume segment.
The Kai Davis Congeniality award went to Miss Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) Alana Michael who was also adjudged most photogenic. Michael also got the prize for best interview.
Ideal Autos-sponsored delegate Kimberly King copped the prize for best performing talent with a soulful rendition of The Impossible Dream in both English and Italian; proving to the crowd she was more than a calypsonian.
Laronde said she enjoyed participating in the show and thanked the other delegates and everyone who supported her.
“It was a great journey,” she said. “It’s definitely a dream come true. I have always dreamt of winning Queen of Carnival and here I am.”
The new queen hopes to use her reign to advocate for a performing arts school to give young people a place to develop their skills.
it looks like the more a woman is exposed is the better chance she has at winning best evening wear. as far as i am concerned this dress is rubbish.
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