MONTSERRAT FESTIVAL QUEEN SHOW SASHING STORY
The evening of Saturday 16th November, saw the official public release of the four sizzling contestants taking part in this year’s Festival Queen Show. The event, a Sashing Ceremony and Cocktail Party was hosted by His Excellency Governor Davis and his lovely wife Mrs. Davis. The ambience and venue was fit for a Queen, not just one but four young women who officially declared their intention to vie for Miss Montserrat 2013. These four ladies stood poised and elegant at an intimate cocktail party attended by press, contestant sponsors and well-wishers. The contestants and their sponsors were unveiled as:
Contestant no.1 : 22 year old, Alexia Allison – Miss Tropical Mansion Suites
Contestant no.2: 18 year old, Juneann John – Miss Technology & Business Specialists, Antigua
Contestant no.3: 19 year old , Azrudee Lindsey – Miss M S Osborne Ltd.
Contestant no.4: 18 year old, Tazia Briscoe – Miss Montserrat Utilities Ltd.
The night was hosted by Coordinator of Culture, Mr. Herman Cupid Francis, who has also worked closely with the Festival 2013 Committee and contestants in preparing them thus far. ‘Twenty-Twenty Montserrat’ was set out as the theme of the 2013 Festival Queen Show, and the audience were wowed with superb entertainment. Miss Tiffany Skerritt, a shining star in her own right, began the night’s proceedings with the solo acappella performance of Montserrat’s National Song, and later entertained the audience further with a breathtaking performance of ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta. Other performers on the night were Ms. Tomeika Jeffery and Mr. Andre West, both of whom put on wonderful musical performances during the ceremony.
In true and continued support of Montserrat’s Culture, Governor Davis also presented a personal donation to Montserrat Festival 2013. Miss Veta Wade, Events Coordinator offered the Vote of Thanks of the evening, expressing gratitude to Governor Davis and staff of the Governor’s Office for hosting and organizing the event, alongside the Queen Show Committee. Miss Wade said the Committee appreciated those businesses that came on board in support of the Festival 2013 Queen Show, to facilitate the girl’s preparation with the sum of $5000 XCD each. The Events Coordinator believes businesses should see the opportunity as an excellent marketing tool for their companies. It is her belief that the private sector’s support shows not only a commitment to our largest Cultural Festival, but to the self-development and empowerment of our young women of the Future Montserrat.
The night ended with the One Man Band, and an open mic session with members of the audience working the dance floor alongside Governor Davis and Mrs. Davis. The night was further boosted with the man behind the chart topping Soca hit, ‘Tiny Winey’ and a number of other leading tracks to come out of Montserrat, Mr. Justin ‘Hero’ Cassell. Herman Cupid Francis, the reigning Calypso Monarch also let loose on the open mic demonstrating his endless musical talents. Both men treated the audience to a medley of old-school pop and reggae songs. Also held during the event was a raffle of two free tickets to the main Show.
Overall, guests at the Cocktail Party were pleased with the outcome and this was notable in the words of encouragement offered to the young ladies by their sponsors. They clearly held pride in their support of the contestants and there was even jovial rivalry with each sponsor pitching their girl to be crowned Festival Queen 2013.
Many persons have expressed congratulations to the Mrs. Patsy Ryan and the Pageant Committee ( which is made up of Sharon Charles, Hyacinth Bramble-Brown and Alison Richards ) for putting on an entertaining event, as they move one step closer to the much anticipated Final Show, scheduled for December 29 , 8:00 pm at Festival City.
Meanwhile posters featuring the 2013 Miss Montserrat contestants will this week be placed at a variety of locations around the island, and on Montserrat Annual Facebook Page.
