On Saturday 29th December beginning at 8:00 pm sharp, nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean islands, will gather at the Sugar Mill, Warner Park, Basseterre, to witness one of eleven (11) contestants, replace Ms. Siobhan Phipps, of St. Kitts, as the reigning talented teen for the entire Caribbean region.
The end of Phipps’ reign is a bitter sweet moment for her. Speaking with her recently, Phipps told MiyVue.com that her role a Queen for 2012 was very productive. Not only did she gain publicity for her country, she was also able to partake in life changing activities within the community, to promote teen development.
Phipps further highlighted that one of the advantages of being a Queen is that she was able to influence other teens positively and at the same time encourage them to become positive role models for generations to come.
“I have no regrets, there are no disadvantages in becoming Miss Caribbean Talented Teen” ,expressed Siobhan, as she encouraged all contestants, for this year’s contest, to give their, best, work hard and have fun doing so.
The delegates for this year hail from, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, Grenada, Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bahamas, USVI, Trinidad & Tobago and the British Virgin Islands.
After meeting with the contestants, on Thursday 27th December, at a Press conference held in Frigate Bay, it was evident that not only did they posess outward beauty but they demonstrated that their beauty is equally matched by their intelligence. Just by observing them and listening to their discussion, it was evident that they are highly intelligent young ladies who are destined to make a significant impact on the wider community within the Caribbean.
They all expressed the need to build meaningful friendships amongst themselves and to wholeheartedly connect with the people of St. Kitts.
Not only do they see this as an opportunity to gain exposure and publicity but as mature teens, they desire to make a difference as they embark upon a journey to be positive role models for other teens, locally, regionally and internationally.
They further highlighted that, often times teenagers within the region struggle with self-esteem and by being a part of the pageant, it will put them in a position to be highly influential to aid teen development, as well as serving as promoting platforms that offer a sense of encouragement.
There is also a greater need to promote the hospitality of each Caribbean island, St. Kitts in particular, remarked Miss Barbados.
Miss Grenada expressed the need to take advantage of the experiences gained, as she seeks further self-development. “I will share my experience when I get home” she added.
It was noted by Miss Nevis, that one doesn’t have to be size zero to enter pageants. In light of this, she stands to represent “the not so skinny persons” as a means of promoting an attitude of love for all different body types.
“At the end of the day, it is not about winning, it is not about the crown, but developing long-lasting friendships”, the sentiments expressed by Miss St. Lucia.
As the young ladies prepare themselves for the upcoming show, it was evident that they have grown to be more than competitors, but indeed friends who want to be active role models, regardless of the results.
The Miss Digicel Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant is currently in its 33rd year.