Erika Creque first dreamed of winning the Miss British Virgin Islands crown at the age of 14.
Seven years later, tears rolled down her face after that dream came true on Aug. 1 at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex.
The event, which began promptly at 8 p.m., featured the women in various segments, including talent, intellect, eveningwear, swimwear, cultural wear and ambassadorial speeches.
“I think the night went exceptionally well,” said Janette Brin, chair of the Miss BVI Pageant Committee, who added that the competition was organised to meet international standards. “We had a very short time to put this show together. It is a lot of work, but I am very proud of all the young ladies. They gave it their all.”
Miss Universe
Ms. Creque will now advance to represent the territory at the internationally televised Miss Universe Pageant in January.
Shortly after the competition ended, she told reporters that she is up to the task.
“The stage is set: It’s my job to ensure that the BVI gets somewhere and I will do that,” she said, adding she is ready to “prepare, prepare, prepare.”
Former pageant chaperone Kareem-Nelson Hull said after the show that he believes Ms. Creque has what it takes to represent the territory internationally.
“Erika was my favourite before the pageant and she certainly won the crown,” Mr. Hull said, adding, “I think it was a great production. Janette Brin took it to a whole new level.”
Ms. Creque’s consistency throughout the night may have helped her win the title, Mr. Hull explained.
“Many people go out to win every segment, but a contestant only needs to place second in every segment and they can win the show,” he said. “Consistency is the key to wining any pageant.”
Q-and-A segment
Intellect is also important, Ms. Brin said. This quality was tested during the question-and-answer segment, where contestants were required to answer two questions: the first from the hosts and the second from the judges.
“If crowned Miss British Virgin Islands 2016, you will not only reign over the 2016 festivities, but you become the ambassador of Brand BVI for a year: How will you use this role to bring awareness to your chosen platform?” asked Damion Grange, who co-emceed the event.
Ms. Thomas, who won the segment, was first to respond.
“I worked hard and tirelessly to become the person I am today, which leads to my platform: self-esteem,” she said. “With the opportunity to be our reigning Miss British Virgin Islands, I would use my platform to encourage our younger individuals to believe in themselves and that they can achieve anything that they put their minds to.”
Other contestants’ ideas ranged from hosting anti-bullying workshops to promoting sustainable development and healthy lifestyles.
Other segments
The swimwear competition, which Ms. Creque won, saw the women coming on stage individually, each in a turquoise one-piece bathing suit.
The cultural wear segment included a variety of complex outfits depicting themes relevant to the VI.
Ms. Creque’s costume, which took first place in the category, depicted the life of the territory’s fishermen and the process of bringing fish from the sea to restaurants.
Ms. Paul’s ferry costume sought to highlight maritime heritage, while Ms. Thomas depicted the Sunday Morning Well and Ms. Claxton donned an outfit representing the territory’s coral reefs.
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