The August Emancipation Festival will start next month, and preparatory activities are getting under way.
On June 10, organisers introduced the four contestants for the 2023 Miss BVI Pageant during a ceremony emceed by Trefor Grant at the Crafts Alive Village.
Before their debut, Miss BVI 2019-2020 Bria Smith performed a song centred on the importance of knowing one’s roots.
The contestants
Flanked by the BVI Optimum Sky Dancers, the four women then made their way to the spotlight, each sporting red pants and a territorial-style shirt tailored with their own flair.
After selecting their contestant order at random, each received a sash from Miss BVI 2022 Jareena Penn. This year’s contestants are Deborah Smith, Lakeisha Warner, Anika Christopher and RoShawna Stevens.
They each thanked their supporters and explained what they would offer as a representative of the territory.
Ms. Smith said she would advocate for the interests of people with disabilities and special needs.
“It’s time to redefine BVI love to be more accessible, accommodating and inclusive,” she said. Ms. Warner, a certified paralegal, stressed her passion for justice and mental health.
Ms. Christopher celebrated the excitement surrounding the return of the pageant and thanked attendees.
Ms. Stevens declared, “This evening, I stand before you as a prime example of the evolution of pride, beauty and culture within the British Virgin Islands, hailing from the beautiful island of Virgin Gorda.”
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College student put herself forward as an intelligent, poised, hard-working candidate.
The winner will succeed Ms. Penn, who placed first runner-up in 2021 and was coronated last year during the pageant’s pandemic-related hiatus. The winner will receive $25,000 through an education grant, as well as travel opportunities and other prizes.
New time, place
Typically, the pageant takes place on August Sunday during the festival season.
This year, however, it is scheduled a week earlier so that the new Miss BVI can preside over more of the festivities, Miss BVI Subcommittee Chairwoman Natalie Hodge announced.
“For the first time in 20 years, the pageant will return to the festival grounds,” she added.
The contestants will compete in the categories of introduction, cultural dress, swimwear, sell BVI, eveningwear, question and answer, and personal interview. Sales for early VIP tickets have begun, and reservations are available through missbvi@vifestival.com.
Disclosure: Anika Christopher contributes to the Beacon.