The Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) in collaboration with the National Carnival Queen Pageant Committee announced that, for the first time ten contestants will be competing in the National Carnival Queen Pageant.  

This year marks the 69^th year of the staging of the National Carnival Queen Pageant, and the organizers have included a surprising twist by revealing the names of 8 contestants and announcing that two additional contestants will be included, and announced at the press launch of Saint Lucia Carnival, scheduled for Wednesday, April 18.  

The 8 contestants already announced for the title of National Carnival Queen 2023 are:  

1. Akia Chiquot of Laborie
2. Aliyel Fontenelle of Gros Islet
3. Bernell St. Rose of Soufriere
4. Jadyn Leonty of Forestiere, Castries  
5. Jernais Perineau of Bois d’Orange, Gros Islet
6. Leana Lewis of Dennery
7. Maria Edmund of Ciceron, Castries  
8. Shanice Butcher of Bisee, Castries  
9. Wild Card  
10. Wild Card  

The contestants will immediately begin preparing for the National Carnival Queen Pageant which includes training in the various segments of the pageant and personal and professional development. The next event on the National Carnival Queen Calendar is the Sashing Ceremony where contestants will be partnered with a sponsor, and become ambassadors for their brand.  

For more information about the National Carnival Queen Pageant and other major carnival events go to carnivalsaintlucia.com or follow @carnivalsaintlucia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.