Advertisement 87
Advertisement 211
Miss Carival 2015
Advertisement 219

Miss Anguilla — Shereena Richardson

Miss Anguilla -- Shereena Richardson.
Miss Anguilla — Shereena Richardson.

From the very day that she emerged into the world on January 22, 1991, Shereena Richardson showed all the signs of a daring, undaunted, high-spirited being. And throughout the course of her 24 years she has matched and even surpassed this projection. Lurking beneath her sheer quietness is one teeming with great talent, yet overflowing with compassion. She is fun to be around and is always at the ready to take on a good challenge.

Shereena received her education at the Road Primary School and the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. She graduated from the latter in 2008 with 9 CSEC passes at the General Proficiency level where she received two notable awards: the Best results in English A and Most Outstanding Graduate.   While in high school she was actively involved in almost every aspect of her school’s life but is most remembered as an avid debater, star singer, and top performer in the literary and fine arts. As a member of her school’s Literary and debating society, she honed her skills in oration and distinguished herself to gain selection on the national debating team. This afforded her the opportunity to represent Anguilla in the Leeward Islands’ Debating Competition, held in St. Kitts, in 2008. There she captured the coveted title of Best Speaker in her debate.

Shereena is a multi-talented individual. She loves the stage! “Being on stage is like second nature to me and of all the talents that I possess, singing – especially calypso – is undoubtedly my passion – my heartbeat!” And one can understand just why. She began singing calypso at the tender age of twelve in 2003. However, it was not until 2007 that she won her first National Junior Calypso Monarch crown, which she retained in 2008.

She went on to capture two National Female Calypso Monarch titles in 2011 and 2012. In 2012, she also won the island’s Senior Calypso Monarch title – a feat she considers to be one of her greatest accomplishments. In that same year, she represented her country in the Leeward Islands’ Calypso Competition, held in Anguilla; and the Caribbean Female Calypso Competition in Montserrat and placed 2nd runner up in both shows.

Advertisement 21

Shereena is the female vocalist for one of the leading soca bands in Anguilla, Pantha Vibes International. She shares her band’s success in capturing three carnival Road March titles. Since joining the band in 2009, she has also helped to secure three Band Clash titles.

With a strong desire to see calypso live on, she began hosting a calypso training camp for Junior Calypsonians in 2012. She also uses this as a mechanism to inspire young Calypsonians to always strive for greatness on the stage and life in general. She feels that calypso helps youngsters to become confident individuals and gives them a sense of purpose at a very young age.

Shereena showcased the multiplicity of her talents when she entered and captured the coveted title of Miss Anguilla in 2014, winning four of the seven judged segments. She credits this win, not only to her innate abilities and her drive for success, but also to her hard working team and supportive family and friends who never left her side throughout the entire experience.

Currently in her senior year at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro Georgia, she is reading for a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She is guided by the belief that hard work, perseverance and steadfastness are the requisite tools for success. She is an extremely passionate individual who believes in the power of inspiration and holds fast to the words of Peter Drucker: [that] “The best way to predict your future is to create it”.

Miss Antigua and Barbuda — Leanda Ann Norville

Miss Antigua and Barbuda -- Leanda Ann Norville.
Miss Antigua and Barbuda — Leanda Ann Norville.

Everyone has a wonderful story that makes them very unique. This treasured beauty, Leanda Ann Norville was born on September 5th 1991 in the beautiful island of Antigua. From a very young age she realized what her dreams were and since then she has been preparing herself for her journey in order to attain them.

During her primary education she developed a passion for the Performing Arts, especially dance. She spent a lot of her young years participating in school talent shows and recitals, undoubtedly causing her to develop a love for the stage and pageantry. Leanda entered her first pageant at age 11; the annual Mr. and Miss Sunny Dale Pageant where she captured the 2nd runner-up spot.

Throughout her years of secondary studies she was always consistent in exhibiting great school spirit, leadership, along with academic performance and moral strength while she cleverly maneuverer her way to the top. She got involved in many groups and activities at her high school and it was thereafter she discovered her passion for modelling, thus, channelling her energy towards it. By the age of 18 she had done many local fashion shows, modelling gigs, commercials, video-shoots and photo-shoots.

In her 23 years of existence they are many influential people, experiences and choices that has moulded her in to the person she is today and even at this age she is still learning new things about herself. Loving, brave, generous and hardworking truly describes her personality.

Leanda has also participated in other activities; always volunteering to offer her assistance to the people around her, in the family and within her community. Her love for pageantry also lead her to participate in the Miss Antigua Teen Pageant in 2007 , the Miss Labour Queen Pageant 2013 where she emerged 2nd runner up and Queen of Carnival 2014 where she emerged 1st runner up. She definitely has her sights set on studying performing arts and one day being able to have her own performing arts school in Antigua. Singing, modelling, dancing, acting… yes, her list is endless! She is determined to make an impactful and positive contribution to society and be a role model for young women in her country and beyond.

Leanda has a combination of endearing qualities: grace, charisma, stage presence, intelligence communication skills and compassion are just a few. She is a leader, a role model and an ambassador. Leanda Ann Norville is ready to take on the world! 

Miss Barbados — Heidi Sherisse Barrow

Miss Barbados -- Heidi Sherisse Barrow.
Miss Barbados — Heidi Sherisse Barrow.

“There are NO shortcuts to anyplace worth going.’’ These are the words of Beverly Sills and this is Heidi’s philosophy. She believes that true success can only be achieved through intense hard work, perseverance and dedication.

Heidi Sherisse Barrow was born on March 14, 1995, in the beautiful Island of Barbados. She attended the Charles F Broome Memorial Primary School at the age of 4 and then went on to the Harrison College School at the age of 11 after completing the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination. Heidi obtained eight CSECs and four CAPE subjects at secondary school. Presently she is a second year student of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill studying medical sciences with aspiration to reach her goal of becoming a Paediatric Psychiatrist.

Heidi started dancing ballet at the age of three and jazz at the age of eight at The Dance Place. She took nine Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams and attained six Distinctions and three Merits, one of those being a High Merit. Heidi is also a recipient of a silver medal at the Barbados National Independence Festival for the Creative Arts, (NIFCA) 2012.

At the age of four she started swimming, and became a member of the National Junior Squad at the age of 9 and a member of the Barbados National Swim Squad at the age of 11. During her swimming career she set three national age group records. In 2008 she also represented Barbados at the CARIFTA swim championships in Aruba and also set a new regional age group record. Along with swimming and dancing, her hobbies include reading and art. She also enjoys baking.

Other accomplishments include winning her Secondary School pageant and being crowned “Kolij Queen” of 2012 and placing first runner up in the Miss Easterval Pageant 2013, Miss Aquaval 2013 and the Digicel Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant.

Heidi describes herself as a fun loving individual with a pleasant personality, this is proven by her kind nature of giving to others and expecting nothing in return, a quality which her mother said she had from a very young child. Heidi also has a belief that you should live your life to the fullest, be the best that you can be in everything you do, and that life is what you make it and the only person that can hold you back is yourself.

Miss Dominica — Odessa Marah Elie

Miss Dominica -- Odessa Marah Elie.
Miss Dominica — Odessa Marah Elie.

Born to Marie-Therese Green and Gerard Elie on November 22nd 1994, 20-year-old Odessa Marah Elie resides in the tranquil community of Bath Estate. Her first name, Odessa, is of Greek origin and it means “the odyssey,” which is a long and adventurous journey. Odessa believes that life is an adventure.

At an early age, Miss Elie became interested in a number of activities, including singing and drawing. She attended the St Martin’s Primary School, where she was a member of the choir. At the Convent High School she pursued twelve subjects at CXC level, obtaining eight ones and four twos. In her leisure time Miss Elie enjoys reading and dancing.

Her fierce love for success has prompted her to compete for various leadership positions and to join a number of clubs in and out of high school in order to be a well rounded individual. Miss Elie was also a member of the CHS Speech Chorale group, the CHS communications/debate club, the Cathedral’s Young Catholic Christians Youth Group and the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company. Her greatest achievements thus far have been acquiring the leadership position of Head Girl in her final year of high school, the title of Miss DSC Mas Jamboree 2013, the award for the top performer in Computer Science at the Dominica State College 2013 Commencement Ceremony, and most recently, the title of Miss Dominica 2015.

Miss Elie is currently a teacher at the Convent High School, where she continues to develop herself as a young adult. Being a teacher brings her great joy, as it enables her to interact with and serve as a mentor for young people. In the future, she would like to further assist the youth in improving themselves academically, developing their talents and becoming well-rounded persons. This is why she has chosen the platform “The Power of Perception.” Miss Elie truly believes that our perception of ourselves and the situations surrounding us today can affect our entire future. She remembers one of her high school teachers who shared a very important quote with her class, which has been very dear to her ever since: “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” It was this quote from Henry Ford which helped to mold her into the determined and focused young lady that she is today, and she believes that if everyone sets long-term and short-term goals for themselves, and is confident that these goals are achievable, success is guaranteed. It is all a matter of perception.

Miss Dominican Republic – Lesleybell Troncoso Rijo

Miss Dominican Republic – Lesleybell Troncoso Rijo.
Miss Dominican Republic – Lesleybell Troncoso Rijo.

My name is Lesleyeball Troncoso. I was born on the 24th of June in the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I am 18 years old and the older of two siblings. My younger brother Freddy Pavel is the best brother I could have asked for and I love him with all my heart. My parents are loving, responsible, dedicated to make our home the best one possible. They are truly excellent parents and I love them for that. As of right now I am studying modelling at the Gaviotas Isabela School while at the same time studying law at the Catholic university of Santo Domingo, I am a young lady with big dreams. Others would agree when I say I’m independent, organised, detail oriented, delicate and sometimes a little presumptuous. Whenever I have a little free time, I like to dance, read, dedicate sometime to my figure and to those whom I love. I also love pets. I enjoy horseback riding and I have two dogs named Clifford and Kayser. One of my achievements has been getting a brown belt in taekwondo. It takes great discipline to be successful. I believed that discipline has also translated to my modelling, where I was able to win the crown of Miss Christmas Dominican Republic 2014. Winning that crown was a step further towards achieving my full potential.

 

Miss Guyana – Alicia Bess 

Miss Guyana – Alicia Bess.
Miss Guyana – Alicia Bess.

Twenty-five years old, standing at a massive 6 feet and hailing from the beautiful country of Guyana is Alicia Nichola Bess, a girl who never walks when she can run, who possesses a humble personality filled with ambition, and the qualities of generosity and thoughtfulness. She embodies the philosophy that with hard work and determination one can accomplish anything he/she sets his/her mind too. In famous words of her favourite author and comedian “Steve Harvey” Alicia encourages fighting for what you desire and believe in, and doing it through God because nothing great comes easy and with God everything is possible.

Coming from humble upbringings, Alicia is an exceptional young lady who enjoys reading, dancing and modelling in her free time. She displayed a passion for the fine arts at a very young age and embraced training in dance, drama and singing throughout her school and working years. Alicia is an active member in charity and community works and is also a peer educator offering advice on various social issues and assistance to persons in need. Her love for the arts saw Alicia being chosen within a group of three young ladies to represent Guyana within the twin Islands of Trinidad & Tobago for a cultural show and competition. In 2009 she was rewarded a Republic Bank Arts and Culture Award for her constant involvement in the three arts Drama, Singing and Dancing.

Alicia, who is the reigning Miss PJD2 Caribbean Queen 2014, ventured into the world of pageantry at the age of 21 as a way of becoming a more rounded young woman within society and won her very first pageant Miss East Bank Supermodel in 2010 and brought 1st runner up in the Miss Republic Bank CARICOM Pageant in the same year. She was one of the featured models of Guyana Fashion Weekend 2010 and is constantly featured in the local media modelling pieces from various Guyanese designers. She continued her passion for pageantry by placing 1st Runner up in the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant 2013 while simultaneously winning Miss Congeniality in the same Pageant. Alicia is also the winner of Miss Guyana Jamzone 2013 where she won People’s Choice, Best Body, Best Gown and Best Smile and later went on to place 1st runner up in the Miss Jamzone International Pageant 2013. On October 06, 2013, Alicia copped the prize of 1st Runner up in the Miss Guyana Universe Pageant 2013, rounding off her pageant year of 2013 with a bang.
After obtaining nine (9) CXC qualifications inclusive of three distinctions Alicia graduated from the St. Joseph High School and then went on to St Roses High where she graduated as Valedictorian after topping St. Roses High “A” Levels examination. She is currently enrolled as both an ACCA and ABE student with the hopes of reading for her Master’s in Business Management. In addition to a hectic academic life, Alicia is the Administrative Manager and Executive Aide at AU Drilling Inc. and the Australian Honorary Consulate respectively and President of her Charity group “Expressions – Beacon of Hope”.

Alicia, who considers herself a woman of substance in the 21st century, would love to motivate all young ladies to develop the confidence needed to be successful in life. 

Miss St Kitts and Nevis — Tishima Browne 

Miss St Kitts and Nevis -- Tishima Browne.
Miss St Kitts and Nevis — Tishima Browne.

Looking beyond the conventional is key to living the life I live- a creative free spirit- always in search of new experiences and yearning to cultivate life outside of the proverbial box. I am Tishima Browne, a resident of the small yet vibrant community ofSt. Peter’s.

My drive to innovate has fostered my love for baking and cake decorating. I relish the opportunity to utilize my innate creativity and fascination with the science of baking, to make delectable, healthy and wonderfully decorated pies, brownies and cupcakes. For me, baking is where science and art collide. The baking pan is my easel and I am the artist. The kitchen is my lab and I am the scientist.

Outside of my unwavering love for pastry making, it is my dream to become a pediatrician. By curing the ills of precious children, I would not only help them but also their families and the entire community. I yearn to specifically combat a serious health epidemic in the Federation- childhood obesity, by promoting the astounding benefits of eating healthy and physical exercise. My participation in last year’s National Carnival Queen Pageant served as the launch pad for my advocacy

A campaign against childhood obesity does not only affect children, since they are too young to understand the significance of good nutrition and exercise. The onus is therefore on the parents, community and government to ensure that our nation’s children are well-nourished and physically fit. If we do not work collectively to halt the surge of childhood obesity- we are going to have a colossal dilemma. 

Miss Saint Lucia — Crystal Octave

Miss Saint Lucia -- Crystal Octave.
Miss Saint Lucia — Crystal Octave.

Those who know me would describe me as having a bubbly personality.  I agree.  And I also have with it a sense of humor, I am confident, social, outgoing, dedicated and hard working with good leadership qualities. I’m also able to keep a level head whenever I am in situations of stress.  That’s something I mastered being a part of the Toxik Nation Carnival Band.

My name is Crystal Jocelyn Octave born on the 16th of June 1992. I am the youngest of five, raised in a single parent household. When my mother moved to the USA in order to provide a better life for our family, my father, Edward Octave, became our primary caregiver and took on the day-to-day responsibilities.

I attended the Camille Henry Memorial School, which is the alma mater of my family. I have many fond memories of being there such as being a princess in the La Marguerite Festival, dancing in the cheerleading squad at various sporting events and also being the vice-captain of my house “Hummingbird”. I was successful in my common entrance examinations and moved on to one of the top learning institutions on island, St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School.  While there, I joined many groups, such as, the netball team, track and field team, the school choir and Girl Guides.  At SJC, I was selected to represent my house, St. Theresa’s in our annual SJC Carnival Princess Pageant. I learnt much about myself from participating in the pageant where I placed 2nd runner up and was awarded best dressed.   After being successful at CXC examinations, I attended the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

I was not successful in my first audition in 2011 for the St. Lucia National Carnival Queen Pageant but I stayed focused and as a result I was a participant in the 2014 National Queen Show where I placed first runner up. It was a memorable experience and I will never forget it.

Currently, I am employed at Tyrone’s Wrecker Services located in Bois D’Orange as the office administrator. Tyrone’s is not only a wrecker service but it also encompasses the Frontline Trucking services that deals with the supplying of water trucks to businesses and the transporting of containers from the St. Lucia Air and Sea Port Authority to different businesses. I am responsible for keeping records of all wrecked vehicles that come in and out of the yard, calling businesses and clients concerning outstanding balances and preparing invoices for different jobs from both the wrecker service and the trucking service. At Tyrone’s we also store reposed vehicles for Bank of St. Lucia and Royal Bank of Canada and I’m also responsible for showing these vehicles to interested buyers. I’ve adjusted well enough and am enjoying working there. Favorite pastimes for me would be: playing dress-up in my mother’s clothes and make-up and landscaping with my father.  Being able to get down and get dirty or able to climb a tree in our yard and indulge in a freshly picked fruit of my choice. I also enjoy reading, shopping and watching TV. My hobby and passion is and forever will be dance. My love for Dance started at the early age of 3 when my godmother enrolled me in the St. Lucia School of Ballet. Currently, I am a senior member of the Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy and also a member of the Movement International Dancers. I enjoy expressing myself through dance and getting the opportunity to choreograph dances for both groups. In the future, I would like to further my studies in business and once I’ve gained additional experience, I would like to work as a manager within the hospitality industry.  Once I’ve established myself in a few years, I hope to contribute to my community by being a mentor to the younger generation by passing on my knowledge and by guiding them towards successful career options.

Miss Trinidad and Tobago — Afeya Aneisha Jeffrey

Miss Trinidad and Tobago -- Afeya Aneisha Jeffrey.
Miss Trinidad and Tobago — Afeya Aneisha Jeffrey.

At, 23 years old Afeya Aneisha Jeffrey is a former Secondary School Biology, Integrated Science and Dance teacher with a BSc in Biology and Environmental and Natural Resource Management from the University of the West Indies St. Augustine. Currently she is pursuing her second degree in Physical Therapy at the University of the West Indies Mona.

She hails from the creative and dynamic Borough of Point Fortin which is situated in the South-Western part of the vibrant twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She is a lover of dance, physical fitness, modelling, pageantry and animals. She is also a trained dancer of 13 years; 4 of which she has been a choreographer specialising in Trinbagonian Folk, Afro- Caribbean dance, latin and modern contemporary dance. Afeya is true to her Afro-Caribbean roots as she is non-hesitant in seizing every opportunity to showcase and promote her culture.

Her tenure in the fashion and modelling industry began in 2009 when she copped her first title as Miss Teen Guapo. She won the titles of Miss Labour day 2013, placed 2nd Runner Up in Miss Trinidad and Tobago World 2014, won Miss Island Queen, University of the West Indies, Mona 2014 and recently won Miss Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Queen 2015.

Her future goals are to become a Physical Therapist specialising in dance physiotherapy, as well as owning a professional dance studio and a multifaceted Fitness and Wellness Complex. Her adoration for animals has lead her to the desires of formulating a local animal sanctuary.

It is her belief that children are our most critical resource; therefore we the elders in the society are responsible for nurturing the bodies and minds of the youth. As a result she has taken the time to tutor children in her community in dance and academics. As an aspiring physical therapist she has developed a platform in the year 2014 where she advocated cerebral palsy awareness in Trinidad and Tobago, with an aim to educate the society of the condition. The rationale of the project stirred from the ignorance of management and care to those in society with cerebral palsy (CP) and as such its main focus was to eradicate the social stereotype and promote a better quality of life for CP victims. She is also a youth motivational speaker who seeks not only to motivate but inspire.

She is convinced that she is an ambassador for her country and a role model for her peers. As such as she lets her own light shine as she accomplishes her goals, she unconsciously gives them permission to do the same. Her desire is to fulfil the mandate which God has set for her. Subsequently her aim is to discover the limits of her potential and push past them.

Miss SVG — De Yonté Mayers

Miss SVG - De Yonté Mayers.
Miss SVG – De Yonté Mayers.

De Yonté Azannia Mayers is a product of the rural community of Victoria Village. Born on March 1st, 1996, De Yonte is a past student of the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, and currently serves as Supervisor at the Chill Spot Bar and Grill.

De Yonté is passionate about the eradication of illiteracy in our society, and enjoys assisting the disadvantaged in this regard, as she views education as the way out of poverty. An avid reader, her favourite book at the moment is “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Mayers also enjoys dancing, listening to music and exercising.

De Yonté describes herself as uniquely interesting, and loves to socialise and laugh. She admires her mother most, as she has always worked tirelessly to provide for her and her six siblings.

It is De Yonté intention to pursue a career in Medicine, and ultimately make positive contributions to the development of our country, particularly in the area of the treatment of cancer.