The unveiling of the seven delegates who will vie for the coveted Queen of
Carnival title 2024 took place on Thursday at a special event at the Hodges Bay
Club attended by government officials, representatives of the sponsors, family,
well-wishers and the media.
The event was the official media launch of the Carnival Festivities 2024 which
included the unveiling of the delegates who were also sashed by their respective
sponsors.
Minister responsible for the Festival, Daryll Matthew gave brief remarks noting
that the response form the business community has been forthcoming and quite
encouraging. “We had our corporate partners step up to the plate wanting to
support Carnival and so as we are here not just to launch Carnival 2024, I’m even
more excited as Carnival evokes much pride and energy in me but I’m sure for
every one else as well,” he remarked.
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority representative, Shermain Jeremy, said the
partnership between the authority and the Festivals Commission enabled them to
project Carnival on a global stage. “Together, we aimed to highlight the vibrancy
of our culture, the warmth of our people, and the electrifying energy of our
Carnival festivities,” she stated.
There were also remarks by the Director of Festivals, Petley O’Keiffe as well as
performances from Odane Doyle, who gave the welcome in Spoken Word, with
Young Destroyer and Claudette Petters performing as well. But the evening
belonged to the seven delegates who appeared as the head of the Queen of Carnival
Sub-Committee, Brucilla Marsh-Sutton called their names.
Firstly, she announced that the name of the title sponsor of the show – the National
Housing Development and Urban Renewal Company.
The delegates are;
– Shakkia Carlos Delegate #1 – Miss Arton Capital
– Desrie Markham Delegate #2- Miss Rawdon and Associates
– Kevinya Joseph Delegate #3- Miss Cool and Smooth
– J’amalyn Stevens Delegate #4- Miss Kennedy’s Club Ltd.
– Shania Samuel Delegate #5- Miss Liat 2020
– Dominique Trotman Delegate #6- Miss Antigua & Barbuda Port Authority
– Chandera Condrington Delegate #7- Miss Furniture Gallery
The seven delegates bring a wide array of skills and background to the pageant.
Two are attorneys at law, one is a police officer, two others own their own
businesses and one drives heavy-duty equipment, including operates a backhoe.
Another contestant is educated to the master’s level.