St. Lucia captures Madam Wob Creole Canada 2016 title

St. Lucia’s Sharlene Jn Baptiste took top spot
St. Lucia’s Sharlene Jn Baptiste took top spot

Before a sold-out audience at the Latvian Cultural Centre in Toronto, St. Lucia’s Sharlene Jn Baptiste took

Before a sold-out audience at the Latvian Cultural Centre in Toronto, St. Lucia’s Sharlene Jn Baptiste took top spot at Toronto’s Two Islands – One Culture: St Lucia Meets Dominica, Madam Wob Creole Canada.

The annual event hosted by the St. Lucia Toronto Association (SLTA) and the Commonwealth of Dominica, Ontario Association (CDOA) is Toronto’s premiere event which opens Creole Month in Canada.

Three ladies from Dominica, Dianne James (Marigot), Ursula Winston (Wesley) Sheryl Barnett (Grand Bay) and three from St. Lucia, Sharlene Jn Baptiste (Bois Cachet, Castries), Melissa Joseph (Mon Repos) and Uhanna Charles-Obaizamomwan (Ti Morne Union) competed for the title last held by Hernica Dorival of Dominica.

The contestants
The contestants

The participants made three appearances, the most popular being the Wob Dwiyet round in plain lace Wob Dwiyets designed by Ceclia Philogene of New Jersey. The talent round saw a variety of performances including Creole skits from St. Lucia, Bélé from Dominica and a broad display of singing talent from both islands.

In what was a very tight race, St. Lucia’s Sharlene Jn Baptiste took top prize with Dominica’s Sheryl Barnett and Dianne James coming in second and third respectively. Sheryl Barnett took the Best Talent Award with a dramatic piece on moving to Canada from Dominica and the winner, Sharlene Jn Baptiste took the Best in Wob Award, which carried the most points.

The five Judges comprised of Scientist Francis Jeffers & Entrepreneur and Artist Janice Lau Corbett from Dominica; Arletta Walcott Communications Officer for the St. Lucia Consulate in Toronto and Gloria Beausoleil, former St. Lucian contestant in the Madam Wob Creole event, and the Head Judge, Jennyne Meynard, CEO of Festival Kompa Zouk from Haiti.

The show attracted dignitaries including former MPP Zanana Akanda, whose roots are from St. Lucia and Hon. Justice Dr. Irving Andre from Dominica who sashed the winner.

The CDOA and the SLTA Associations have a history of collaboration, having been part of Toronto’s first Jounen Kweyol celebration and more recently in hosting Cardinal Felix’ visit to Toronto. They are currently heavily involved in the relief effort for Haiti in Canada, being co-chaired by Dominica’s Trade and Investment Commissioner, Frances Delsol

Next year’s event is slated to once again open Creole Month in Toronto on October 7, 2017.

The three top winners. Photo by Cuthbert Volney
The three top winners. Photo by Cuthbert Volney

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5 Comments

  1. Ideal
    October 18, 2016

    What a great evening. the ladies were all so good can’t wait for next year. Thanks to the organizers.

  2. Realistic One
    October 11, 2016

    A class act indeed. No scandal here. I guess that’s why Skerritt didn’t make an appearance at this event. He was too busy posing for pictures elsewhere. Funny how none of these pictures are no longer on Facebook.

    • Punjab
      October 13, 2016

      If he had attended I guess you would say that he is wasting Government’s money to go and spree! Ou wer zor Dominichens, zor pas feb. Don’t do all you not pleased, do all you not pleased. Mais Tonnais!!

      • Realistic One
        October 13, 2016

        It’s a matter of doing the right thing! Funny how that turn around to bite him and those who were behind that move. Everybody moo-moo now :) :) The least they can do is raise some funds for the cause. We watching still :-D :-D

  3. October 11, 2016

    It was a wonderful show the ladies were fantastic I can’t wait for 2017 show.. Congratulations to the Commonwealth of Dominica/Ontario Association and the Saint Lucia Association for a show that surpassed any other show. The judges were great .

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