Strong banter on social media, fierce rivalry among supporters and sponsors, and the classic North versus South battles – these are just some of the elements the National Carnival Queen Pageant brings, and this year is expected to be no different.
This year, nine contestants from various parts of the island impressed the judges during auditions. They represent Ciceron (Castries South), Desruisseaux (Micoud South), Gros Islet, Mabouya Valley (Dennery North), Dennery South, and La Clery (Castries North).
Last year’s pageant was won by Ermele Tisson from Choiseul.
If you asked two of the island’s MPs who their favourites are this year, they may modestly say they are supporting all the contestants to sound politically correct, but one is clear about his choice.
During the sashing ceremony, Dr Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism and Culture and MP for Castries South, said this was the first time his anticipation had been so high for the pageant.
“And it is not because there are two girls from Ciceron (Castries South)”, he said, barely able to contain his laugh and sense of sarcasm.
The Minister said he will certainly be in attendance on July 4 to cheer on Faith Edward and Sydney James of Ciceron, as well as all the other contestants whom he believes will do well.
The Minister for Education, Youth Development and Sports and MP for Gros Islet, Kenson Casimir, is also looking forward to the pageant, which will feature three delegates from his constituency.
He says he has contributed to Gros Islet contestants over the years and will do so again this year.
One of the Gros Islet contestants is Adel Montoute, daughter of Spider Montoute, Casimir’s former political rival.
“All three participants will be given a contribution at the very same level, so nobody will be given preferential treatment or get more than the other individual,” he said when asked about his support.
“The fact of the matter is, I want somebody from Gros Islet to win. I’ll be very happy, I’m going to tell you the truth in my ‘boyo’, I’ll be very happy if the individual with last name Montoute wins the crown.”
He explained that she is from Marie Therese Street, where he was born and raised, and that he had been exposed to rivalry among residents of the various streets in Gros Islet.
“And so as a Marie Therese Street boy, I would be happy, absolutely elated to see that she wins just as the individual from Grande Riviere (Gros Islet) that I think has a very good chance too and the individual from Reduit (Gros Islet).”
Derrelle DuBois is the delegate from Grande Riviere, and Simone Sonson represents Reduit.
“I’m actually really looking forward to this year, I am excited and I feel we are bringing it to Gros Islet,” he said with a broad smile.
