Entertainment
2023 Festival Village Named In Honour Of Cultural Icon Irene Penn-O’Neal
The Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee has named this year Festival Village after the territory’s cultural icon and first Miss British Virgin Islands Irene Penn-O’Neal.
A June 15 press statement said the Committee made the decision “in keeping with the tradition of naming the BVI Emancipation Festival Village and bestowing titles of honour on persons who have contributed greatly to our festival heritage and culture…”
Penn O’Neal, who is originally from West End on Tortola, captured the first Miss British Virgin Islands title in 1975 – until 1974 the contestant crowned at Festival time carried the title “Festival Queen”.
According to the statement, “Penn’s talent, a musical rendition of ‘Ram Goat Liver’ by Pluto Shervington sealed the selection for judges and brought great pride to the people of West End. Her achievement marked a significant moment for the Virgin Islands, as Penn’s new title was reflective of the intentions for the new queen to represent the Virgin Islands abroad at pageants like the Miss Universe Pageant. Following her win, Mrs. Penn-O’Neal served the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee as a committee member for many years.”
The Committee added that “her contributions through pageantry and service are undeniable and make her the perfect choice to be honoured at this time, on the 48th anniversary of her win in 1975.”
This year’s Emancipation Festival kicks off on July 28 with a Warm-up Tramp and culminates with the August Monday Parade, Boat Races and events at East End and Carrot Bay.
The Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta will close the Festival calendar on August 11.
De’Nya Winter, the 2023 Princess of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), captivated the audience with a powerful opening speech at the Caribbean Cultural Princess Pageant contestant launch. The launch took place at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, Florida.
This year’s pageant, themed “Celebrating the Radiance of the Caribbean Sea, With Vibes, Pearls, and Curls,” promises to be a vibrant display of Caribbean culture, beauty, and talent. De’Nya Winter will represent the BVI, on October 6, in the pageant that is part of the Miami Carnival 2024 celebrations and will compete against three other talented contestants from the Caribbean region:
- Aliana from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
- Trenece from St. Kitts and Nevis
- Tenylah from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
An online voting system has been established for the Popularity Award, allowing supporters to vote for their favorite contestant without limit. The voting period will close on August 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Stephany Andujar won the Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024 title, last night, August 18, at the Antilles Mark C. Marin Center, standing out among five talented contestants.
Representing St. Joseph & Rosendahl, Stephany not only took home the crown but also earned awards for Best Evening Wear and Best in Interview.
Britanny Robinson, representing Crown Mountain, was named the 1st Runner Up. Britanny’s performance also earned her awards for Best On Stage Q&A, Best National Costume.
Camille Paul, representing Strawberry Hill, secured the 2nd Runner Up position.
The Miss Community title went to Meagan Bryan of Agnes Fancy, in recognition of her dedication to community service.
Aminisha Bailey, representing Charlotte Amalie, also made a strong impression, winning Best in Swimwear.
As the newly crowned Miss Universe US Virgin Islands, Stephany Andujar will now take on the responsibility of representing the islands on the global Miss Universe stage.
The newly crowned Miss British Virgin Islands 2024, Adacia Adonis, secured a 4th place finish at the Miss Jaycees Queen Show 2024, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Miss BVI contestant.
Though she did not claim the top spot, Adonis stood out among the 11 contestants as she competed fiercely in the pageant held at the Antigua Recreation Ground on July 31.
The crown ultimately went to Shan Lucien of St. Lucia, who dominated the evening by winning several major awards, including Most True to the Theme, Best Talent, Best Modeling in Evening Wear, and Best Evening Wear. Lucien’s victory highlighted the competition’s theme, “Beauty Unbroken,” celebrating the resilience and spirit of Caribbean women.
Desrie Markham of Antigua and Barbuda earned the title of 1st runner-up, along with awards for Best Swimsuit and Congeniality, while Grenada’s Amonai Francis, the 2nd runner-up, took home the Interview Award. Miss Guadeloupe, Kaéna Rangassamy, was named Miss Photogenic.
This year’s Miss Jaycees Queen Show marked its 61st anniversary, continuing a rich tradition of celebrating Caribbean culture, beauty, and talent. The event, themed “Beauty Unbroken,” featured vibrant performances, stunning fashion, and showcased the enduring strength of women from across the region.
Since its inception in 1963, the Miss Jaycees Queen Show has become a cornerstone of Caribbean pageantry, drawing participants and spectators from across the globe. This year’s event was broadcast live, allowing a worldwide audience to witness the crowning of the 2024 queen and celebrate the achievements of all the contestants.
Photo: Miss Jaycees
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