Charlestown, Nevis (July 02, 2007)
Chairman of the Culturama Queen Show Committee Ms. Hazel Francis called on the Nevisian public to lend their support to the five contestants who will vie for the coveted title of Miss Culture 2007/08 one month away, citing that their participation was a show of true patriotism and national pride.
She made the comment during brief remarks on Friday June 29, 2007 while the contestants were presented to hundreds of cheering fans at the official launch of the Miss Culture Talent Pageant 2007, on the Charlestown Waterfront.
The contestants – Ms. Cable and Wireless St. Kitts/Nevis Ltd. Shannecia Demming; Ms. FirstCaribbean International Bank Ltd. Ms. Camara Lee; Ms. Carib Breweries St. Kitts Nevis Ltd. Chevaughn Claxton; Ms. St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank Romancia Arthurton and Ms. Nevis Air and Sea Port Authority Kim Jeffers – were presented by reigning Miss Culture 2006/07 Cari Nicholas accompanied by the music of the I Africana Drummers. Ms. Nicolas was escorted off the Sea Bridge (SKN) Inc. on the arms of Premier of Nevis the Hon. Joseph Parry, as the contestants made their grand entrance in the Charlestown Port.
The vessel was decked in an array of vibrant colours which complimented the colour scheme of the contestant’s wardrobe in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Western hemisphere.
Miss Francis indicated that the contestants would continue to be on show at a number of public events ahead of the main contest. They will appear at two fashion shows on July 08 and July 14 at Mingles, Cades Bay and the Old Manor Hotel, Gingerland respectively at 4:30pm.
The contestants will also be spotlighted at a Swimwear Contest at the Cultural Complex in Charlestown on July 29th. The contest is the first round of competition will be prejudged. The points amassed at that contest will be added to the final contest which would include the talent, eveningwear and interview segments.
Meantime, Mr. Halstead “Sooty” Byron Chairman of Culturama 2007 Central Committee said when Culturama (a festival showcasing Nevisian art, folklore and culture) began in 1974 the Ms. Culture contest was the flagship of the festival.
While he told the public to give the contestants positive support, he urged the contestants, their chaperons and all involved in the contest to maintain the standard and integrity of the show to ensure that it continued to be a major event of the festival.
The launching ceremony was chaired by Mr. Antonio “Abonaty” Liburd, Executive Director of the Culturama Secretariat.