It was one of the eagerly awaited shows of Carnival 2023 – the Queen of Carnival
Pageant which saw seven young and talented ladies vying for the coveted title. At
the end of the show, one contestant, Ms. Cedar Valley Golf Course, Ischikelle
Corbin, emerged as the overall winner.
Almost from the start of the pageant, Ischikelle demonstrated that she had her eyes
fixed squarely on winning the crown as her answer to the interviewer’s question
displayed a command of the subject, a command of the English language, and a
level of confidence that is not normally seen among contestants before a carnival
queen show.
Ischikelle won four of the five judged segments: interview, costume, performing
talent, and evening wear. Only the swimwear segment eluded her.
Her performing talent was a tribute to her mother who succumbed to cancer several
years ago and the impact that this event has had on her life. That was a theme for
her throughout the evening: celebrating her mother’s life of activism.
After the contest, Ischikelle spoke of the sacrifices she made in her preparation for
the show. She had to lose weight, which she did in what she has described as ‘a
healthy way’. She also spoke of her discipline and time management in order for
her to remain at her job and to put in the hours of rehearsals in preparation for the
pageant. These are what she has credited for her success in the pageant.
As the 2023 Queen of Carnival, Ischikelle will represent Antigua and Barbuda in
the JCI Caribbean Queen Show on July 31 st at Carnival City. She was also
presented with a cash prize of $25,000.00 along with other prizes including a
handset from Inet.
The second runner-up prize went to Ms. Cool and Smooth, Jahkaydah Isaac, while
the third runner-up spot went to Ms. Neverland, J’Dinique Prince. Prince won the
swimwear segment.
The show was well-attended and many patrons expressed their delight that the
pageant has returned following the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancelations.
