Pageant Chairman Mr. Antonio Maynard welcomed contestants at a special cocktail reception held last evening, (Tuesday 27th December, 2011), at the St. Kitts Marriott, where he stated that his organization is proud to be hosting the 32nd annual Digicel Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Competition. Maynard also acknowledged franchise holders, because as he said it is a tough task financially and so nothing can be taken for granted.
Chairman Maynard also specially recognised the delegates from Nevis, Bermuda and Bahamas who were absent for a number of years, but are back in the pageant for 2011.
Said Maynard, “Nevis will now be competing in this contest on its own from now on and we are glad to be putting the young entertainers from Nevis on the huge stage because we believe they have been marginalised for a number of years.”
He continued, “We want to apologise to Trinidad, Guyana and Dominican who have been a regular feature in the pageant but couldn’t be accommodated this year because of the numbers.
Maynard also stated that his committee is considering introducing an elimination process, starting next year, so that all interested countries can participate in the competition.
Nandi Noel, the reigning Caribbean Talented Teen said “I am sadly preparing to give up the crown,” and she also added that she has had a great time wearing the crown during the past 12 months.
Mr. Maynard also reiterated that, this year’s show will be held at Carnival City and not the Sugar Mill which was previously mentioned.
St. Kitts is being represented by Miss Siobhan Phipps, a student at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School.