The contestants took park in the Miyvue.com/ZIZ Best Television Interview, which was conducted by Miss Jihan Williams and judged by three very experienced and capable experts in the field of communication skills development; Miss Claudette “Polly” Manchester, Mr. Denzil Crooke and Miss. Ozelle Martin. The Chief Judge and tabulator was Miss Lanine Blanchette, herself, a former Carnival Queen contestant.
The delegates-Markyssa O’Loughlin, Jody Carter, Kalia Huggins, Keeva Weekes, Verlyn Williams and Trevicia “Barbie” Adams- were drilled on details contained in their bio data and also on news and current affairs.
Generally the contestants were thought to have given a good account of themselves, especially on matters pertaining to their biography.
Monday night’s interview on ZIZ Television followed last Friday’s Radio version and according to Mr. Val Henry of VhCommunications & Marketing Agency, the interview series formed part of the annual training for contestants, as part of their communications & interview skills training program.
Henry said that events such as this and the radio version are avenues for the contestants to sharpen their interview skills. Mr. Henry said, “The best way for someone to learn something is by doing it and so that’s why Miyvue.Com and ZIZ have organised these interviews.”
Each contestant was asked approximately five questions, three of which were drawn from details contained in their autobiography, and two relating to issues and matters that are currently in the news, locally and overseas.
The judges focused their attention on the contestants Content, Command of Language and Naturalness.
Following the event, the contestants were engaged in a debriefing session with Mr. Henry and the judges, providing feedback on those areas that may still need additional attention by each contestant.
Officials have however remained tight lipped about the results of both interviews, indicating that the winner for each interview will only be made known on the night of the actual pageant, when all other results are being provided, during the coronation period.
Fans were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite contestant via text message or the online poll on Miyvue.com
The National Carnival Queen Pageant will take place on 27th December at the Sugar Mill from 8:00pm.