The ten contestants participating in the 2023 National Carnival Queen Pageant were officially presented to their corporate partners yesterday evening, at the annual Sashing Ceremony held at the Landings Resort.

In her welcome address, Chairperson of the Carnival Planning & Management Committee, Ms. Tamara Gibson, thanked the corporate partners “By sponsoring a contestant, you are supporting the development of our culture, our creativity as a people, and our carnival.” Speaking on the contestants, Gibson added “Our contestants represent the full breadth of Saint Lucia; from north to south, east to west, we are all represented. By that token, I encourage you to get behind your contestant as she aims to bring the title of National Carnival Queen 2023 home to your community.”

The ten contestants and their assigned sponsors are as follows:

1. Akia Chiquot – Miss Laborie Credit Union
2. Aliyel Fontenelle – Miss Harbor Club
3. Bernel St Rose – Miss BOSL Digital
4. Jaydn Leonty – Miss Massy Stores
5. Jernais Perineau – Miss FICS
6. Leana Lewis – Miss Pierre Marcel
7. Maria Edmund – Miss Caribcation
8. Shanice Butcher – Miss Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate
9. Shantel Edward – Miss 1st National Bank
10. Tyler Dilsuk – Miss Saint Lucia Investment

In his address, Chairperson of the National Carnival Queen Committee, Mr. Trevor King noted that “Every year, our contestants are carefully paired with sponsors that match their personality and values. They must be a perfect fit. Because after today, they take on the name of their sponsor and officially become ambassadors for their brands. Each area of this pageant is carefully orchestrated to ensure that our viewers experience the highest level of pageantry. Your enjoyment and fascination is one the driving forces behind our need to innovate and improve every year, and our contestants have gladly accepted that challenge.”

Ms. Gibson invited the public to come out to be a part of Saint Lucia Carnival 2023. “Let me encourage you to get involved this carnival, whether in your community, at the National Carnival Queen Pageant, all our national events or competitions, at the parties, or on the road on Monday and Tuesday. Whatever your preference, this is your season. The spirt of revelry and the vibe that is Saint Lucia Carnival, starts with you. Answer the call to colour.” The full sashing ceremony is available for viewing on the YouTube page of Carnival Saint Lucia.  Follow @carnivalsaintlucia on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates on the pageant and all things Carnival. The National Carnival Queen Pageant will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023.