Entertainment
Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios Crowned Miss Universe 2023
In a night filled with suspense and elegance, Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios, emerged victorious and etched her name in history as Nicaragua’s first-ever Miss Universe when she claimed the coveted title of Miss Universe 2023.
The José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador, was transformed into a spectacle of glamour and elegance, providing the perfect backdrop for the 84 contestants to showcase their beauty, talent and intellect on November 18. Musical genius John Legend performed during the event.
The culmination of the evening was marked by an intense moment of anticipation. Sheynnis Palacios and Miss Thailand stood side by side, hands clasped together, as the venue plunged into darkness, leaving only a spotlight illuminating the two finalists.
The tension in the air was heightened by a prolonged silence, during which both contestants closed their eyes in anticipation. The spell was finally broken by a voice ringing out, proclaiming “Nicaragua!”
Palacios, visibly overwhelmed with emotion, reacted to her triumph by shedding tears of joy. Her hands shook as she raised them to her face, basking in the cheers of the crowd. The atmosphere in the arena erupted with jubilation as the newly crowned Miss Universe savoured the historic moment.
Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild secured the first runner-up position while Australia’s Moraya Wilson claimed the second runner-up spot,
Miss BVI Universe Ashellica Fahie represented the territory at the pageant.
Miss British Virgin Islands Ashellica Fahie in National Costume at Miss Universe 2023 on November 16, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
The grand finale saw last year’s Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, aged 29, graciously passing on the title to her successor. Palacios, in an emotional exchange, received the crown, symbolising not only her personal triumph but also a groundbreaking achievement for Nicaragua on the global stage.
The pageant made history by allowing married women and mothers to participate for the first time. This significant shift in policy reflects a broader embrace of diversity and inclusivity within the Miss Universe competition. Furthermore, the international stage saw the participation of two openly trans women, Marina Machete from Portugal and Rikkie Kollé from the Netherlands, marking another stride toward recognizing and celebrating the diversity of womanhood on a global scale.
John Legend performs during the 72nd Miss Universe Competition on November 18, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. HECTOR VIVAS/GETTY
Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.
St. Lucian pastry chef Ronald Estephane, the head of Fruit Boss, will participate in the upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards.
Estephane, known for his fruit carvings and pastry designs, previously won the title of Pastry Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards. His work focuses on transforming fruit into edible art, earning recognition within the Caribbean culinary industry.
The event is scheduled for February 21-22, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, bringing together bakers and pastry chefs from across the region.
This year’s competition will feature participants competing under the theme “Rum Fun.” The event will also include the “Ultimate Bake-Off: Celebrity Grudge Match – BVI Artists Edition,” where local musicians Boss, Jugo and Brent Hoyte will compete in a baking challenge.
The Caribbean Baking Awards continues to recognize professionals in the region’s culinary industry, highlighting innovation and craftsmanship in baking and pastry arts.
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
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Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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