Sources have informed MiyVue.com that unlike previous years, only five delegates will be participating in the contest in 2012, instead of the usual six participants. Though MiyVue.com is in possession of the list of delegates, we have decided to allow the committee to make the official announcement this weekend.
While two of the contestants have been recruited from sister island Nevis, the remaining three are based in St. Kitts.
Recently there has been much discussion regarding the annual carnival pageant, especially as it pertains to the difficulty that the Committee has experienced in the recruitment process. There were also rumours making the rounds in pageant circles that a number of potential contestants who had originally applied for the competition, had a change of heart, opting not to continue, thereby making it very challenging for the Committee to finalize the roster of delegates.
Even up to very recent times media announcements were still being broadcast, in the hope of attracting additional participants, but unfortunately no additional delegates stepped forward.
A few weeks ago when the carnival celebrations were officially launched with a parade and concert in Basseterre, many onlookers expressed concern about the absence of the contestants, who in recent years were introduced to the public, for the first time, during the launch event.
It now appears however that the Committee has taken the decision to discontinue efforts to convince a sixth delegate to enter the pageant, and has now decided to proceed with the reduced number of five.
It is understood that only five contestants will also be participating in the Talented Teen Competition, representing the various high schools in St. Kitts and Nevis. However there are 9 Secondary schools in the federation, four will not be fielding contestants this time around.
On Friday, at 6:00pm, the Committee has organized what it is calling “Reveal”, a social event, to be hosted at the Carambola Beach Club in Friars Bay. It is here at this media launch that all contestants, for both shows, will be revealed and their sponsors announced. It is also believed that the delegates will be receiving their sponsor sashes as well, during the ceremony.
The reigning National carnival Queen is Miss Kalia Huggins.