Miss World BVI Kassandra Malone
Next month, Kassandra Malone will travel to Indonesia as the first contestant to represent the Virgin Islands at the Miss World pageant in 12 years. Besides studying education at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the 22-year-old singer works as a receptionist and mail clerk at the financial services firm TMF. Though financial constraints precluded a preliminary Miss World pageant in the VI, she has earned various titles: Miss Fifth Form 2007; Miss Hal Jackson BVI 2008; and Miss Photogenic in the 2008 Miss Hal Jackson International Pageant. Ms. Malone, who was selected by the Miss World BVI Committee in June, plans to depart the territory on Sept. 2 to begin preliminary events for the Sept. 28 pageant.
Why pageantry?
I think pageantry is a good opportunity for young ladies to show their intelligence, talent and poise and everything that comes with it. It gives them an opportunity to build their self-esteem and opportunity to do good for the community. For instance, for Miss World, it’s based on fundraising for charities. I think that in itself is a good thing.
What have you learned from pageants so far?
I have built confidence and self-esteem. The mere fact of just going on a stage in front of a crowd and audience was something I was shy about. With the number of pageants I’ve participated in, I can just go out and do it.
What are some of the things you’re focusing on in the community as Miss World BVI?
I took up the Autism Centre as my charity. [Autism] has been something frowned upon by the community. They see it as something to be scared of instead of being embraced. I want to be a voice for them. You shouldn’t be scared of the disorder — embrace the people. I have been working with them since the beginning of the year. My heart is weak when I see the kids. It touches me. It’s been a great opportunity having to adopt the charity and work with the kids and be a voice for them.
What are you doing to prepare for the pageant?
Interviews. That will help in speaking. I am practising for my talent. I am doing videos, and I have my Miss World page, which I have to be active on. They created a Facebook page for all of us to promote ourselves.
What has been the most difficult aspect of preparing for this competition?
I will say time. It’s been a sacrifice. I am managing the time well. I wouldn’t say it comes easy.
What segments will there be in the competition?
There will be beauty with a purpose, talent, top model, multimedia and sport.
What sport will you compete in?
I will be running.
Have you always been a runner?
I’ve not been too much of a runner, but I will run. I did track in high school and primary school.
I’ve seen some of the contestants. It looks like they have some long legs. Have you been competing on the track?
I do some running, some jogging and some sprint running. I will make sure I am confident about my running before I leave the BVI.
What activities occupy your spare time?
I like to read. I read a variety of books. I read more motivational books. I keep that close to me. I read the Bible a lot, and lots of love stories. Singing is my passion. I like to travel as well. I’ve not gone farther than the United States of America, though. So this will be the first time I’m going that far.
What’s the most important thing for pageant contestants to keep in mind?
You have to be friendly, but keep in mind that it’s a competition and you want to do your best to come out on top.
You mentioned you want to be an educator. Why?
I have a passion for children. I always want to give a helping hand wherever I can. I am inspired by the last Miss BVI, Sharie de Castro. Her drive, everything about her, is amazing, and all that she has accomplished thus far. She is also an amazing individual.
What would you say is the biggest misconception people hold about you?
People see me and think I am stuck-up. When people get me, everything change. They discover a fun and playful Kassandra. I don’t have much time to play now, though.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
One time I was singing and I forgot the words of the song. I had to put in my own thing. I thought of it as being embarrassing.
Who are some of the singers or genres you emulate in music?
I embrace all. I do gospel, R&B, reggae and everything. My favourite musicians are Alicia Keys, Yolanda Adams and Beyonce. Those are the few that I really like.
If you were to give one piece of advice to a group of young people, what would it be?
Keep your dreams alive, follow your heart — and don’t let anyone take that away from you.
Interview conducted, condensed and edited by Ngovou Gyang.
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