Adacia Adonis walks the stage after she was crowned Miss BVI early Monday morning at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex. (Photo: SARIAH LAKE)

A cultural costume with an elaborate headpiece depicting flamingos.

A quick response to a complex question. An energetic performance of the Cynthia Erivo song “Stand Up” from the soundtrack to a 2019 movie about American abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

All were part of Adacia Adonis’ performance on Sunday at the Miss BVI Pageant in the Multi-purpose Sports Complex in Road Town.

The judges approved.

When the pageant drew to a close at around 2 a.m. Monday morning, the 25-year-old aspiring corporate lawyer edged out six other contestants to take the crown and the prizes for Best Eveningwear, Best Swimwear and Miss Intellect.

After the show, Ms. Adonis told the Beacon that the pageant was her first.

“I was really nervous, but I was determined to do my best, and I really felt like all the hard work and preparation I put into the show paid off in the end, so I’m happy with the results,” she said.

She added that she had learned valuable lessons along the way.

“Pageants aren’t only skin deep,” she said. “It’s about your dedication, drive and discipline.”

Ms. Adonis hopes to use her reign to raise awareness about endometriosis, a condition that can cause women to have heavy and painful periods.

The competition was stiff, with a wide range of talent on display as the seven women competed in five segments: National Wear and Platform Speeches, Talent, Swimwear, Eveningwear and Q&A.

Dance and music

In the talent segment, for instance, Neria Griffith danced with two fans before transitioning into a steel pan performance.

Hodge, who would go on to win the category, also showcased her steel pan talent, but in the form of a game show parody complete with a decorated set in the background.

In the Q&A segment, Ms. Adonis took first place after expressing support for the agriculture industry while fielding the question “How can the BVI improve its regulatory framework to remain competitive in financial services?”

First runner-up Donyelle Hodge showcases her talent on the steel pan. Below, Adacia Adonis models her national wear, which was inspired by local flamingos. Ms. Adonis went on to win Miss BVI. (Photo: SARIAH LAKE)

‘Sheroes’ challenge

The women were also judged on pre-show events that contributed points to their overall score.

The “Sheroes” challenge, for example, required them to interview an inspirational female figure such as Junior Minister for Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith, Stephanie RussPenn or Sylvia Adams.

During the pageant on Sunday, attendees got to view a video presentation that showcased each contestant’s attempt to re-create a photograph of the woman she interviewed.

The contestants also participated in a pre-show interview and an introductory video.

Runners-up

At the end of the pageant, Ms. Hodge was named first runner-up and the winner of prizes for Best National Wear and Platform Speech, Best Talent, Miss Popularity and Most Poised.

Stacy-Ann Bobb, the second runner-up, won Miss Photogenic, Top Model and Best Professional Wear.

Third runner-up went to Shanta Connor, while Ms. Griffith was sashed Miss Congeniality.

Other contenders were Akesha Roberts and Circe O’Neal.

Aside from the titles, the winners took home an array of prizes.

Miss BVI received a 2025 Haval H6 CT sport utility vehicle, a year of free gas, $7,000 cash, a $12,000 scholarship fund, gifts from local businesses and more.

The runnersup received cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $1,500, respectively, among other gifts.

Previous queens The night was hosted by Angelle Cameron and Trinidadian social media influencer Daniel Loveless.

Also during the pageant, 16 previous queens — who each had been required to return their crown at the end of their reign — were presented with keepsake crowns of their own.

Additionally, the event showcased the contestants for this season’s final pageant: Mister and Miss Junior BVI, which is set for Sunday.

The contenders, who were introduced by current Miss Junior BVI Ariella Oliver, are J’adon George, Recado Palmer, T’ya Peters, Chanecia Pinnock and Kaijaanique Hendrickson.

The pageants follow the Prince and Princess Pageant on July 13 and Miss Teen BVI on June 1.

Controversy Despite the contestants’ enthusiasm on Sunday night, the Miss BVI Pageant didn’t come off without criticism.

This year’s organising committee offered a range of “VIP” options, selling higher-priced tickets in different tier packages.

But during the show, many attendees began to complain that they did not receive the services promised. Afterwards, some took to social media to blast the pageant’s delayed start, limited seating and inconsistent service.

Adacia Adonis models her national wear, which was inspired by local flamingos. Ms. Adonis went on to win Miss BVI. (Photo: Sariah Lake)
Organisers apologise

In response, the organising committee posted a statement to Facebook Monday morning apologising and stating that it would be reviewing public concerns.

“Last evening, we were made aware of logistical issues affecting the Platinum VIP experience at the Miss BVI Pageant,” the organisers noted, adding, “We are working expeditiously to ascertain the facts and are liaising with our producers and logistics team to ascertain the gravity of the situation.”

Not satisfied

Some attendees, however, weren’t satisfied.

“So what about the money we spent last night?” posted one. “Something got to make up for what happened.”