Prospective Queens Vie for Spot In Finals

Details

Carnival

Friday, 29 April 2011 05:43

By D Francis

Antigua St John's - The screening of Queen of Carnival hopefuls took a different format this year, with the young women up for public viewing during the session to decide the finalists.

Nine candidates - Larissa James, Careen Glascow, Jennaecia Lewis, Yogaine Ria Fiedtkou, Telesa Gomes, Latisha Green, Donnatella Matthias, Alicia Roberts, and Satrise George, appeared before a panel of judges and a small audience at the Multi-Purpose Centre on Wednesday. They were seen in the introduction segment, swimwear, talent, and interview.

Six finalists will be selected to compete at Carnival City during the 2011 celebrations.

Just before the entertainment from the prospective queen contestants, Carnival Chairman Vaughn Walter showered praise on the 2011 committee for bringing a fresh aspect to the build-up to the show.

Minister of Culture Eleston Adams meanwhile told the young women that although each of them wants to win, she should also use the experience to enhance herself, while having fun. He said the journey should also help them to become better citizens within their respective communities.

Adams said he had received suggestions to stage the queen show at a different time, but in dismissing this notion, said would not deny the contestants the opportunity to showcase their worth on the biggest stage available at this time of year.

Brief remarks were also delivered by Chairperson of the Queen of Carnival Committee Vandah Neal-Gardner, who lauded the level of support being exhibited by the minister and the CDC.

She said the changes being made in hosting this year’s show were designed to enhance the event, and to prepare the contestants for regional and global competitions.

Neal-Gardner said apart from the committee members, the past queens have also agreed to be chaperones for the contestants.  

Meanwhile, Adams, appearing on national television, announced a 100 percent increase in the ticket price for the Soca Monarch finals. Fans will now have to pay $50 to attend. In addition, the minister announced a reduction in the number of complimentary tickets that would be issued.

Adams said in the past, organisers had been selling the show short, and that practice would be rectified in 2011.

Finalists will also select their order of appearance on stage via a different method. The reigning monarch will be allowed to select his position, while the other contestants will select their preference in the order of appearance in the semi-finals.

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