Six young women will showcase their talents, intellect, and poise as they compete for the prestigious title of Miss British Virgin Islands on Sunday, October 17, 2021.
Ready to grace the stage are Contestant #1 Reba Smith, Contestant #2 Chenae Walters, Contestant #3 Jareena Penn, Contestant #4 Sylvanna Charles, Contestant #5, Keyona Cameron and, Contestant #6 Kathlyn Archibald-Drew.
The pageant which was previously scheduled for August 1, 2021 was rescheduled due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Virgin Islands. The postponement of the pageant was first announced by the Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley on July 9, 2021.
Chairperson of the Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant Committee, Natalie O. Hodge, said that the committee is curating an opulent experience that will cater to both in-person and virtual audience members.
“This year’s pageant will offer an online component streaming live on a pay-per- view platform whereby pageant supporters will have to subscribe to view the content. Despite some changes we made due to the pandemic, we are keeping most of the traditional and cultural elements of the Miss BVI experience. For example, we have continued the tradition of hosting the pageant on a Sunday, and format and segments of the show will be the same. The crowning of the new Queen in October will give her the opportunity to preside over the Virgin Islands’ Cultural and Tourism month activities scheduled for November.”
She added, “Behind the scenes, the contestants are working hard to prepare for show night and we encourage the public to continue to support them. So far, they have undergone communication training, runway coaching, etiquette training, team building activities, basic make-up tutorial and participated in promotional videos offering support and encouragement to the community in various areas.”
Ms. Hodge also extended gratitude to the pageant sponsors, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Scrub Island Resort, BrivaDerm, Groundworks, Driftwood Spa, CCT BVI, Royal Shop, Jay’s Varieties, Beautiful by Jasanay, Skelton Group of Companies, BVI Hot Press Advertising, The Dressing Room BVI, Paradize Water Sports, HIKE BVI, Vanity Scents BVI, EC Soap Co, Wireless Photography, Stick to Me, Lash Kouture, Seacret, BVI Life & Style Magazine, Afflair Special Events, Akeem Stanley, Duo Collection & Co., Kymasia, Islander Swim, Kareem-Nelson Hull, Coconut Lounge, Indigo House, Nova Vita Apparels, Menen-I Designs, Sweet Tooth VI, Crazy Threads, BVI Sotheby’s International Realty, Virgin Islands and Suh, Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Mrs. Pickering.
Meanwhile, Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIFFC), Chairman, Khalid Frett thanked the pageant committees for the commitment in executing the Miss BVI and Prince and Princess pageants despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.
He said, “On behalf of the VIFFC board, I would like to thank the pageant committees for their hard work, dedication and perseverance during these difficult times. They have shown true Virgin Islands resiliency. Both committees have engaged their contestants to offer support to the families who’ve lost loved ones. They have promoted the health protocols and encouraged residents to either get vaccinated or build their immune systems as we continue to fight against COVID-19.”
He added, “While our reigning Queen and Prince & Princess have been a joy to work with, we must pass on the crowns to new ambassadors. Being ambassadors for the BVI will mean being in a state of readiness, facing and overcoming obstacles and remaining strong through it all.”
He also extended best wishes to all contestants.
The pageant will be held under the theme, A Cultural Identity: Perseverance. Resilience. Evolution.” The contestants will compete in seven segments: Introduction & Cultural Dress, Swim wear, Talent, Evening wear, Question and Answer, and Personal Interview.
The pageant winner will receive a $25,000 academic grant, crown, travel opportunities, wardrobe, among other prizes.
The reigning Miss British Virgin Islands Miss Bria A. Smith is the only titleholder to date to reign for two years. The Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant is one of the longest running pageants in the region. For more information about the Miss BVI Pageant follow the Facebook page @MissBritishVirginIslands.