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Sylvanna Charles Claims Early Wins Ahead of Inaugural Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant

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The stage is set for the highly anticipated Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant, as four accomplished women from across the region prepare to compete for the title. The event will take place on Friday, March 14, at 7 PM at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Ahead of the main competition, some delegates participated in two optional segments on March 13—the Spokeswoman Speech and Fun Fashion categories. While these events do not contribute to the final scores, they provided a platform for the contestants to express their personalities and love for pageantry. Emerging victorious in both categories was Delegate #3, Sylvanna Charles, Miss Elegantly Plus British Virgin Islands, who impressed judges at The Golden Soirée with her eloquence and style.

The inaugural pageant will bring together delegates representing the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, and Antigua & Barbuda, each of whom has a strong background in pageantry and community engagement.

Representing the British Virgin Islands is Sylvanna L. Charles, who was crowned BVI Festival Princess in 2005. Hasanna Graham, carrying the banner for the U.S. Virgin Islands, previously earned the title of Miss Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in 2012. Mekelia A. Miller, hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, won the Miss La Reine Rive’ (Miss Best Village) title in the 2023 Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. From Antigua & Barbuda, Milove J. S. Fontaine joins the lineup, having been crowned Miss Charisma in 2020.

This competition is more than just a pageant—it is a celebration of cultural pride, elegance, and confidence among plus-size women in the Caribbean. The winner will make history as the first-ever Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen, setting the foundation for future editions of this empowering event.

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Five Students to Compete in Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on June 1

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The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will host the 2025 edition of its Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on Sunday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. in the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium. The pageant, themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” is one of several events commemorating the College’s 35th anniversary.

Five students have been confirmed as contestants for the competition, which seeks to crown student ambassadors who will represent the institution throughout the academic year. The male contestants are Dakarai Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters. Competing for the title of Miss HLSCC are K’Meeya Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark.

The competition will take place over two days. The personal interview segment is scheduled for Friday, May 30, while the main event on Sunday will feature the Introduction and Business Wear segment, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and Question and Answer rounds.

Since its reintroduction following a brief hiatus, the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant has become a prominent student development initiative. Contestants selected as winners will receive scholarships and serve as official College ambassadors. Their roles include representing HLSCC at local and international events, participating in promotional campaigns, and engaging in leadership and public speaking opportunities.

The current titleholders, Mr. Malacoy Levons and Miss Jhadazia Lennard, have represented the College at formal engagements and outreach initiatives over the past year.

In a statement, Student Life Director Debra Hodge described the pageant as a significant part of campus culture and personal development. “What was once seen as a fundraiser event is now a celebration of identity, purpose, and student excellence,” she said.

In addition to the main titles, students and supporters will have the opportunity to select Mr. & Miss Popularity through an online voting system. Votes can be cast by liking official contestant photos on the HLSCC Facebook page between Wednesday, May 21 and Saturday, May 31 at 12 noon. Only reactions from users who follow the page will be counted.

Winners of the pageant will receive a custom-designed crown, sash, and sceptre, as well as access to professional training programs.

Tickets are currently on sale at the HLSCC Campus Store, Student Life Department, J&C Trading Ltd., and through any of the contestants. General admission is $35. Students from the Virgin Islands with valid ID can purchase tickets for $20.

For additional details, the public may contact the Student Life Department at (284) 852-7102.

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Premier Wheatley: Festival Committee Board to Be Finalised Within Days

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As preparations for the Virgin Islands’ annual festival gather momentum, Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley has confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development is in the final stages of appointing a formal Festival and Fairs Committee board.

Speaking during an appearance on Virgin Islands Voice on Wednesday, 14 May, the Premier said that recommendations for board membership are currently under review and are expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval in the coming days.

“We anticipate that by next week, the Cabinet will approve the board appointments,” Dr Wheatley said. “Some of those who have been serving voluntarily have applied, and we look forward to having an officially ratified board in place.”

For years, the Festival and Fairs Committee has been driven by dedicated volunteers, many of whom have contributed tirelessly to the Territory’s cultural calendar. One such individual is Honourable Hart Smith, a former Director of Culture and a past Festival Queen, whose longstanding involvement was commended by the Premier.

“She has been part of the festival from way back,” he said. “We’re grateful to have someone with her knowledge and experience continuing to serve.”

While committee work has traditionally been unpaid, the Premier noted that legislation permits the Minister to provide stipends to appointed board members. Volunteers may also receive small benefits, such as complimentary access to events.

“It is a tremendous amount of work,” Dr Wheatley acknowledged. “If we can get the structure working efficiently and the finances allow, we will also look at what can be done to support sub-committee chairs, who put in a great deal of effort as well.”

The Premier was clear, however, that the government’s role in the festival is not commercial. “Our goal is not to make a profit,” he said. “We want businesses and vendors to thrive, but any revenue collected at the gate is intended solely to cover expenses and ensure everyone is paid. Vendors should not be left owed.”

In 2024, the festival generated over one million US dollars in revenue, though total expenditures exceeded that figure. Funding for the event is drawn from government allocations, private sponsorships and proceeds from festival-related activities.

As final plans are made for the upcoming festival season, Dr Wheatley reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cultural preservation, responsible stewardship and community engagement.

“We do this out of love for our culture and our people,” he said. “We’re working to ensure this festival is not only a success, but sustainable for the future.”

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Former Miss BVI Kathlyn Archibald-Drew Graduates Summa Cum Laude from Howard University

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Former Miss British Virgin Islands, Kathlyn Archibald-Drew, is set to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Howard University as a member of the Class of 2025. A dedicated scholar, Kathlyn has distinguished herself with an Honors Economics Major and a double minor in Political Science and Philosophy.

The former Cedar International School student’s academic journey at Howard University will culminate on May 8.

With a passion for economic development and social change, Kathlyn is preparing to take the next step in her academic career at the London School of Economics, where she will pursue a Master’s in Local Economic Development.

May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'Graduation Announcement Class of 2025, Howard University Kathlyn Archibald-Drew Summa Cum Laude; Honors Economics Major, Political Science and Philosophy Double Minor Date: May 8th 1:00pm- 3:00pm Link: Incoming on Graduation Day! What's Next: London School of Economics, Master's in Local Economic Development'

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