Miss Carival 2014 Contestants’ Bios

Clockwise from top left: Miss Antigua and Barbuda Raynel Carroll, Miss Barbados Zhane Padmore, Miss Dominica Francine Baron, Miss Guyana Kiswana Jefford, Miss Jamaica Danielle Black, Miss Martinique Alexandra Chastel, Miss St. Kitts and Nevis Kaeve Armstrong, Miss St. Lucia Amy Stephen, Miss Venezuela Genesis Valera Seijas, Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines Shadeisha George.

Miss Antigua and Barbuda – Raynell Carroll

Beneath the pale moonlight of 21st January 1994, a prayer was answered and a healthy baby girl was introduced to the world. Raynel Carroll was raised in a single-parent household that offered unending love and support.

With a solid base, Raynel thrived, eventually graduating from the All Saints Secondary School and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute. Raynel is very driven, which she demonstrated as she embraced dance at a tender age and is presently a member of the DUST (Dance Unifying Souls

Together) Dance Company as well as a former dancer with Antigua’s carnival baby, Tizzy and the El A Kru Band.

Raynel’s impressive resume includes stints with the Antigua Dance Academy, the Sunny Dale Dancers and the Elite Dancers – with whom she was awarded most outstanding dancer for 2010/2011. She has varied interests to include socializing, involvement in her community, being a service ambassador and, not surprisingly, beauty pageants. Volunteerism is her first love.  Raynel is an ambassador for the

Innocence Project started and the Aids Secretariat ‘If you love me protect me campaign‘.

Her fondness for pageants emerged when she entered and won the All Saints Secondary School’s Black History Month Pageant.  That led her to participate in Teen Splash, her first foray on the carnival stage.  Subsequently, Raynel was adjudged the second runner-up in the 2011 Homecoming Queen Pageant.  Noteworthy, she is the 2013 Labour Queen.  With pageantry in her blood she went on to win the 2013 Miss Antigua Queen of Carnival title and was first runner up in the JCI Caribbean Queen show 2013.

Never wanting to rest on her laurels, Raynel plans to further her studies in the hospitality industry with a focus on Tourism Management. The 20-year-old is determined to make her mark through a position that will offer policy direction to Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism product.  Raynel is presently working with the

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority where she gets the opportunity to market her beautiful country. This she hopes will set the stage for her career in this field.

Miss Barbados 2014 – Zhané Padmore

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” This is the philosophy that nineteen-year-old Zhané Padmore lives by.  Born on September 15th 1994 in the beautiful island of Barbados to Barbadian parents Sandra and Roger Padmore, Zhané is the epitome of confidence and determination, believing that hard work and dedication will aid in her path to success.

Currently in her second year at the University of the West Indies, Zhané is pursuing a degree in Management at the undergraduate level, with aspirations of becoming an Event Manager.  At nineteen years old, she can proudly say that she has accomplished many things in life. From the age of four (4), Zhané’s parents enrolled her in swimming, where she was able to evolve into a National swimmer, representing Barbados at many regional meets such as the CARIFTA Swimming Championships as well as the Caribbean and Central American Swimming Championships.

Furthermore, Zhané is an avid dancer, also starting ballet at the age of four (4) and having attained distinctions in the Royal Academy of Dancing Examinations up to Grade 8 level. She dances at various local events and festivals such as Crop Over and NIFCA (National Independence Festival of Creative Arts), where she has evolved from dancing ballet and is now well versed in contemporary, afro-Caribbean, jazz and hip-hop genres.  Apart from swimming and dancing, Zhané enjoys socialising with friends and frolicking at the beach.

At the age of 11 Zhané graced the halls of Harrison College, one of the most prestigious schools in Barbados.  Here she learned to balance her studies with her love for swimming and dancing and also participated in a number of extracurricular activities including the Key Club.  Key Club International is a student-led organization aimed at building leadership skills, character building and providing opportunities to provide service to others who are less fortunate. With this organization, Zhané was able to take part in various charitable activities such as the Silver Dollar Drive for Children and the Feed the Homeless Project.

Zhané’s love for pageantry emerged after she participated in the Harrison College school pageant.  Her dynamic performance in talent and her natural poise, beauty and intelligence afforded her the opportunity to represent Barbados at the Miss Easterval Pageant 2012 in Union Island, where she captivated not only the audience but the judges and came away with this illustrious title as well as the prizes for Miss Photogenic, Best Talent, Best Interview and Best Evening Wear.  She has also participated in the Digicel Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant in 2012 and is currently the reigning Miss Holetown Queen of the Festival for 2014.

Committed, high-spirited and talented are just three words which Zhané uses to describe herself.  Committed – because she never likes to leave a task undone; high-spirited – because no matter what the situation she tries to bring joy to other people around her and talented – because God has given her many talents of which she gladly puts to use.  With a strong belief in her dreams and aspirations Zhané Padmore will continue to strive for success, meeting every opportunity that life presents with fervour and determination.

Miss Dominica – Miss Francine Tiffany Baron

From the Nature Island of the Caribbean, l am 20-year-old Francine Tiffany Baron.  l was born on July 30, 1993, and was raised in the cultural capital of Dominica, Grand Bay.  Not only did my upbringing in such a community fuel my passion for Dominica’s unique culture, but also, it gave me a deeper understanding of what is required of a patriot and what is expected from citizens.

After graduating from one of the most prestigious high schools in Dominica, the

Convent High School, I became a proud alumna of the Dominica State College where l received my Associate Degree in Biology and Psychology.  My zest for education and youth empowerment led me to then become an educator.  It is indeed an honour and privilege to assist the younger generation to strive towards their highest achievements.  In the next 5 years, l can vividly see myself at university obtaining a doctorate in education.

After battling with constant insecurities as a teenager, l live by the motto: “the human mind can be a dangerous place”.  It is never easy being a teenager in such a demanding world, and for this reason l continue to be interested in assisting the youth in any way possible.  My platform throughout the Miss Dominica Pageant was, Youth Empowerment and Development.” Reaching You Highest /Achievements.  lt is my wish that this message be carried out not only in Dominica, but also the entire Caribbean Community by extension, as the fate of the Caribbean most definitely lies within its young people.

When l am not carrying out my duties as Miss Dominica, l engage in activities like every other 20 year old.  I love surfing the web as much as the next young woman, but l also value reading, especially \/.C Andrews’s novels.  My bubbly personality is usually the reason why I have so many friends and acquaintances. I love meeting new people.  It has been said by my friends that l laugh way too much, but after all, laughter is the best medicine.  One of the people l admire the most is the late African president, Nelson Mandela for his principles and strength. Truly, he is an inspiration.

Miss Guyana – Kiswana Abimola Jefford

The sun was setting on the July 31, 1990, when the wail of a bouncing baby girl pierced the confines of the Woodlands Hospital in the capital city of Georgetown in the beautiful country of Guyana.  Prematurely born, this bubbly baby girl put a smile upon the face of Elton Jefford and brought cheerfulness into the eyes of Erica Sobers.  I embody the traits of a positive, ambitious and assiduous young woman who is determined to become one of society’s leading lady and leave a legendary mark on the world.  Like my favourite colour, I reflect a red personality. I also exemplify humility and am a resolute young woman who endorses taking a stance for your beliefs, fulfilling your goals and achieving your fullest potential in life.  To me life is a beautiful and precious thing and I believe in the credo ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’

I embarked on my first educational journey at South Ruimveldt Park Nursery School then South Ruimveldt Park Primary School where I sat the S.S.E.E examinations.  I subsequently completed my secondary level of learning at St. Stanislaus College and North Georgetown Secondary School where I amassed 13 (thirteen) subjects at C.S.E.C examinations, so copping the Student of Excellency Award.  Throughout my school life I participated in various extracurricular activities, mainly dance, debating, reading, spelling b and track and field.  With leadership qualities and a cool disposition I was elected class Monitor and prefect in primary and secondary school by my peers and school teachers.  I hold a degree in International Relations, having taken an avid interest in international politics, democracy and human rights.  However motivated by my love for intellectual enhancement and elevation and to achieve my career objective of Attorney-at-Law, I will be pursuing a degree in Law at the University of Guyana, beginning September.

When I am not working as an Intellectual Property specialist at Hughes, Fields and Stoby Attorneys-at-Law I embrace leisure in advocating environmental preservation, tourism education of Guyana, cancer awareness, reading, surfing the internet, facebooking and instagraming and dancing; I have a passion for the art form of dance, I have been doing so since age 6 and is presently a member of CIassique Dance Company.  My past times also include hanging out with

family and friends and spending quality time with elderly folks, orphans and/or children faced with adversities.  Thus, I joined several organizations, mainly Youths for Guyana, University of Guyana International Affairs Association and ECHO.

I epitomize a girly girl who adores fashion and embraces a fanatical interest in pageantry, having participated in local and regional pageants.  I participated in Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2009 where I placed third and secured the Miss Body Beautiful prize, Miss Guyana Earth 2010 (Queen) where I also attained the Queen of the Catwalk prize and Miss Body Beautiful again and Miss Guyana Jamzone 2O11 where I placed third and secured the Miss Body Beautiful prize once more.  Regionally, I represented Guyana at Miss Caraibes Hibiscus 2010, Miss Caribbean Culture 2011 and Miss Jaycees 2012.  I admire Nelson Mandela and the women of today, primarily Oprah Winfrey and Desiree Bernard, who are my role models.

This is me, Kiswana Abimola Jefford – a spirited dancer, an aspiring lawyer, a role model, a patriot, a Guyanese.

Miss Jamaica  – Daneille Tamoii Black

Daneille Tamoii Black, is a proud 20-year-old Jamaican, born on March 10, 1994.  Raised in the quiet rural community of Cedar Valley that’s located just 1 mile south of Sligoville, the first free village in the West Indies, and 9.5 miles north of the first capital of Jamaica, Spanish Town, where I developed an appreciation for culture and history.  Presently, I am pursing my Bachelors of Arts in Media and Communication at the University of the Caribbean, where I aspire to become a Cooperate Attorney at Law and Journalist.

As an adventurous and aspiring young lady on the journey to greatness; I remain humble, yet outspoken with a strong sense of determination.  I am a strong supporter of youth development and driven by the desire to continuously improve myself holistically.  I strive to do something memorable and play an important role to in our society.  I crave responsibilities and like the majority of the human population, and simply want to be included and involved.

I learnt that being active keeps you focused, but most importantly helps to shape a balanced, well-rounded character which every young person should have. Surprisingly however, sports has not been my strongest area, so over the years I have indulged myself in sewing, visual and performing arts and voluntary activities.  I learned the importance of my voluntary services, as I realized my actions were of great assistance to those in need and the help I give may play a major role in shaping the society in which we live. After all, a society is not developed on its own, but created by its people. From my years of community service, one achievement that stands above all is my creation of the Youth Ambassador’s Club at The Jonathan Grant High School; a club dedicated to help youth identify and develop their skills and to embrace their culture and heritage.

Nonetheless, I have occupied numerous leadership roles and have made many achievements.  Presently, I am the President of the IUC Mediax Magazine; a school based magazine developed and administered by media students, used as an instruments to give the student population a voice, as well as to highlight the events and issues happening in and around our school environment. Today, I am a proud Mathematics teacher at the Fletcher ’s Land Community Centre, where I teach CSEC Mathematics to both adults and adolescents who either require additional assistance with the subject or are unable to attend school because of financial constraints.

I will never stop promoting youth development and aspire to one day produce a drama series entitled “Right Yah So!” which will be focused on the social development of adolescents facing issues associated with our society. I believe that by using realistic situations that our youths can relate to, I can provide assistance,  guidance to help them overcome these situations, while providing entertainment.

Miss Martinique – Alexandra Chastel

My name is Alexandra Chastel.  I am 20 years old and I am proud to represent Martinique.  I am the eldest of a lovely catholic family.  My two younger brothers, my parents and my grand parents are my best support.

When I was younger, I was extremely shy.  However, my parents never gave up on me and always loved me and challenged me.  Two years ago, they involved me in their new project: promoting and building a new company based on network marketing reselling organic food and products.  It was really challenging and almost impossible for the shy girl that I was.  With the support of the Lord and of my parents, I went through it and became stronger.  My mother and grandmother brought me the best support by training me and being my first clients.  Then something clicked in my mind and changed deep inside me.  I realised that I had all these talents and maybe more sleeping inside of me just waiting for me to give them a chance to flourish.  Six months ago, I was shopping with my mother in a mall when we saw that a special fashion event was taking place.  Any young lady could participate to be photographed.  The winner would get a free photo shoot with professional photographers and an article in the best fashion magazine on the island.  I did not want to participate because I had casual clothes on, no make-up and I was the only one with short hair!   Finally, I tried … and I won!  It seemed like fate to me again.  Therefore, I realised that nothing was impossible and that I could be who I wanted to be if I just tried and worked hard.  I entered other contests and pageants.  Sometimes I was successful and sometimes I was not, but it just made me stronger and stronger.  I found my own self.  My family is still amazed by the way I have evolved in two years.  Only my dad keeps on saying, “I always knew, I always told you and this is just the beginning!”

Now I have a healthy way of life, I want to be an example with my attitude and my behaviour. I still promote the organic products, I practice U-fight system (martial art), I take dance classes.  My major challenge: represent my island for Miss Carival 2014 and show to myself and to everybody who I am and what I am made of!  In September, I will continue my studies in Canada to become an image consultant or a kinesiologist.  I want to share my experiences and help other people to open their heart and spread their wings.

May Lord bless all of you and bring you as much bliss, joy and happiness He is giving me.

Good luck to all the contestants.

Miss St. Kitts-Nevis – Kaeve Armstrong

Born on Sept. 2, 1990, I was raised on the island of St. Kitts in the petite rustic community of Boyd’s Village in a household where I was the lone girl amongst my brothers.  Although it was sometimes difficult fitting in with the boys, we bonded through our mutual love for the art of music.  We would make instruments out of just about anything and communicated, danced, sang and even argued to the diverse rhythms of the world.  Somewhere deep down, we believed that we’d one day become the “Armstrong 3” — St. Kitts – Nevis’ version of the Jacksons.

My parents believed that a rich music experience would provide me with a myriad of benefits as I progressed through my formal academic learning, which began at the Victoria Road Pre-School. I then enrolled in the Dr. William Connor Primary School where I sang whenever the opportunity arose and was still able to showcase my intellectual aptitude by attaining the best results in Test of Standards.  Subsequently, I received my secondary education at the renowned Basseterre High School. While there, l was spiritedly involved in the UNESCO Small Island Voice, the school’s Teen Challenge Outreach and the Young Leaders Programme.  I then advanced my studies at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College where I received an Associate’s Degree in General Studies while being actively involved in the CFBC Choral Ensemble and the CFBC Literary and

Debating Society.  Thanks to my parents’ insistence and those who believed in me, I participated in many music-related extracurricular activities while at these learning institutions and thoroughly enjoyed the moments.  Clearly, I am in love with music!

In 2008, I built up the valour to share my musical talents with the world when I entered and won the Kittitian Super Star Singing Competition.  This opportunity gave me a platform to use my voice to uplift and inspire those around me.  Today, as l continue to venture into the realm of pageantry, I yearn to do the same as I firmly believe that music can potentially reveal the hidden treasures beneath our souls.

Miss St. Lucia — Amy Louise Stephen

Amy Louise Stephen was born on Aug. 25, 1993 to parents Sylvianna Stephen and Glenison Lawrence.  From birth, Amy has resided in the village of Anse-La-Raye, as part of a musically oriented family unit.  Hence, Amy has a deep love and passion for music.  From her days as a student at the Anse-La-Raye Infant and Primary School, she has been actively involved in the school’s choir.  Her enthusiasm for choral singing was always illustrated at her alma mater

Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School where she served as the choir director for 2 years.  Amy is also involved with the Cecilian Rays and The Charles Cadet Youth Orchestra which are both organizations within her community that have helped shape her as an individual.

“Who I am today is largely as a result of my family which comprises of a mix of teachers and musicians.”  Amy credits her interest in the arts to a culmination of her family’s tradition as well the influence of the late Petronilla Deterville who served as a mother as well as a guide providing opportunities for Amy to participate in several productions.  Amy maintains a strong interest in the arts and hopes that in the near future she will be able to further her studies in the Arts.  Amy dreams of establishing a theatre company where artistes will engage in year round productions.  She believes that such an initiative will help to foster a greater appreciation for the arts locally and regionally, and will also provide aspiring Caribbean Writers with a platform to showcase their plays and other literary accomplishments.

Amy’s interest in the Miss Carival Queen Pageant stems from her involvement in the cultural fabric of St. Lucia.  Carnival is filled with excitement and a great sense of individual expression which has directly influenced her love for this cultural activity.  In 2005 Amy participated in and won her school’s Mr. and Miss LHCSS, and in 2008 she represented St. Lucia in the Haynes Smith Caribbean’s Most Talented Teen Pageant in St. Kitts capturing the 2nd runner up title.

Amy says  “participating in these pageants led me to realize that this Miss Carival Queen Pageant is a good forum for the exhibition of regional talent as well as a medium for adding elegance and finesse to the true carnival experience.  l am eager to serve as an ambassador to St. Lucia through my affiliation with this pageant.

Miss Venezuela – Genesis Josmarvith Valera Seijas

My name is Genesis Josmarvith Valera Seijas. I am 21 years old — born on Aug. 6, 1992 in Rubio Tachira State and I currently reside in Soledad, a small town south of Anzoategui.

Since childhood I have lived in several places in my country, so my studies took place in different institutions.  I began my preschool studies at Maria Angelica Lusinchi Education Unit, then Grades 1 and 2 at Ruiz Pineda Educational Unit in Bocono, Trujillo State, Grade 3 through 6 at Yocoima Education Unit , then I studied the 7th grade at the Puerto Ordaz High School in Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar State . Grade 8 and 9 were at ITCA Education Unit in Soledad, Anzoategui and 4th and 5th year at the College of Santa Ana Maria Education Unit in Ciudad Bolivar, Bolivar State, where I graduated from high school.  I am Currently in the 7th semester of Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources Northeast Private University Grand Marshal of Ayacucho.

I am the youngest of seven children: Alexis, Ronny, Randy, Euris, Edwin and Jose Ramon.  I’ve always had the love and support of my family; they have given me the values and example to develop and be a better person every day.

Since my childhood my passion and my dream has been in the modelling world, so I enrolled at the Academy and Wins Agency Modeles where I received instructions in areas such as makeup, etiquette and protocol, and catwalk and photo pose.  I have had the opportunity to participate in various competitions such as Elite Model, Teen Model 2010, Miss Teen Model Venezuela 2010, and the Miss Sea Beauty/Venezuela 2011. I also participated in the Miss Easterval 2012 competition and won the Swimwear category. I placed Second Runner-in Miss Latin America and the world beauty pageant 2012, where I competed with 34 other girls from around the world, and won the award for Best Original Typical dress and placed in the top 5.

Throughout this journey I have had the honour of working with designers, photographers and renowned silversmiths.

I consider myself a persons who is sincere, humble, dreamy, idealistic, feisty and always in constant pursuit of my dream.

I enjoy music and the company of my family and friends, I like to read fantasy and action novels. I like outdoor sports especially hiking and I am learning speech and animation.  In the future, I envision myself as a professional model, without neglecting my studies as I see myself as an environmental engineer in the future.

Miss SVG  – Shadeisha George

Shadeisha George’s natural talent, involvement in community service, strong faith, and humility make her a true embodiment of a rounded Vincentian young lady.

An avid reader, this 21-year-old draws much of her inspiration from writers who convey real experiences by presenting true accounts of their challenges, and reveal how they overcame them.  She believes that one is not necessarily born with courage, but rather, one is born with potential.

When Shadeisha is not at her home in Lowman’s Hill with her grandmother and siblings, you may find her taking part in Guiding activities, dancing or socialising with her friends.  She describes herself as a selfless, driven, committed individual; traits she acquired while a student at the Lowman’s Leeward Anglican School.

After completing her formative education, this aspiring Diplomat entered the gates of the St Vincent Girls’ High School in 2004.  Shadeisha credits this institution with teaching her the importance of loyalty, the need to preserve and protect one’s dignity, and endurance in the face of adversity.

In 2009, she enrolled at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community

College: Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, where she studied law, history, literatures in English, Caribbean studies and communication studies.  She graduated in 2011 and is now an employee at the Bank of StVincent and the Grenadines.

Shadeisha hopes to pursue studies in International Relations at the University of the West Indies.