Aniska Tonge, the daughter of Marigot natives Frankie Jefferson Tonge and Venessa Yvonne Rolle, is the Virgin Islands representative to the 2013 Miss America Pageant to be held at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 12.
After grabbing the Miss Virgin Island crown in the summer of 2012, she will now challenge 52 other young women from across the continental United States, Puerto Rico and Hawaii, for the coveted title of Miss America 2013.
Tonge said the decision to participate in the Miss America pageant stems from her desire to establish a foundation as a role model for other young women, particularly those with low self-esteem. To advance this cause, she is to focus on “Building self-esteem in young women through education and pageantry,” as her platform.
She she is very proud of her Dominican heritage and the village of her parents.
From a tender age, she has had the privilege of spending many summers on Dominica enjoying and absorbing the island’s rich history and culture. According to her, the connection with her unique heritage has been instrumental in shaping her into the determined and confident young woman she is today.
After graduating from the Charlotte Amalie High School on St Thomas, she attended the University of South Florida where she earned a degree in Psychology. Her future ambition is to pursue doctoral studies in Psychology and serving her people, both on Dominica and in the Virgin Islands, as a Counselor.
According Tonge, her immediate goal is to make her people proud by becoming the next Miss America. However, to achieve that the support of all is required in voting for her video presentation on the Miss America website.
Individuals can vote by visiting the Miss America website link below:
Voting ends on January 10, 2013.
goodluck make us marigotians proud
GO MS. TONGUE—MAKE A NAME FOR D/A.USVI, YOUR PARENTS AND YOUSELF.
ALL THE BEST–HEADS UP, YOU GOTWHAT IT TAKES!
Why do our people have to be negative? Is it in the water or the food? Jeez. Have we never been told that if you cannot say something good about someone then shut up? You don’t want to vote, then don’t. Coming up with all sorts of stupid excuses, oh she does not say Dominica, she represents VI not Dominica and all that crap. You guys surely know how to break people’s spirit. I sincerely hope that Aniska is not reading this. She surely does not deserve votes from the likes of you who for all intents and purposes may be uneducated, unemployed and primitive. Aniska will move on with our without your vote.
I was on a random Caribbean blog the othe day and people were discussing the islands. When Dominica came up the general consensus was that Dominicans are very negative people. They never have anything good to say about their own people or any one else.
It saddened me that so many people thought this way about us, but it was def a wake up call.
Stop the negative Dominicans it does’nt matter where she is from she is a beautiful black girl with West Indian heritage & culture lets support and be proud. “You go girl we got your back in VI”
She is born of Dominican parents so she is Dominican. Based on the dominican constitution she is considered a Dominican. Refer to chapterVII section 99. Born after November 3, 1978 to Dominican parents. Be proud and stop being so negative. Best of luck on January 12th Aniska. Now you all go online and vote for her.
I am happy for u . Make us proud
Can we Dominica ever be happy for somebody? What is the matter with us as a society? constantly bring down each other. be happy for the young lady whether she recognise you or not, she dose not have to, she bears roots to Dominica and that to me is enough to support her. stop the hating for good ness sake.
Is this the niece of Andra Mono Tonge-Shillingford and grand daughter of Teacher Barbara Tonge? She looks like NIta Shillingford.
I voted, people show the sister some love and voted cus she is not making the news in any negative light.
Lets’ suppose this young lady were to win the Miss America Pageant and then went on to Win the Miss Universe pageant, would the negative Dominicans still shun this young woman as not being Dominican enough or would they seek to identify with her as Dominican and share in the glory…………just wondering.
Miss America competes in Miss World. Miss USA competes in Miss Universe.
Unfortunately, my degree is not in pageants.
How much will she be willing to share with Dominica if she wins?
Congrats to her and her family. She wasn’t born in Dominica why does she have to mention it. Leave the girl alone and support her because she is a young women trying to make a difference. And before everyone else judge her heritage if you all are so patriotic why do you all go to great length to have your babies in America even if you don’t live there. Please support and vote for her because she is a daughter of the world.
There are a some Dominicans that are just so shallow – it’s disgusting!! What is the problem with the woman representing her country – USA/UVI? Why she has to mention Dominica in the video? I think it is good strategy – the bigger mass of the people that will pull her thru is outside Dominica – she has to show full loyalty to America to become “Miss America” – it’s not Miss Universe – it’s Miss America. Once she gets the crown, the media will dig up about her, and Dominica will definitely come in the spotlight at some point or another. And if you look at the spectrum of women on that site, 99% white. I think she will have the support of we the African Americans just by virtue of her race first. You small minded people too like to pull down your own race down.
u dominicans are to fast shut up and just vote she did not need all you criticism so do you guys self a favor if u don’t have any thing nice to say shut the hell u good luck girl
Bondieu our people are just too negative. Good luck young lady.
Marigot mi seh
For those of you that don’t know it. Even though she was born in the Virgin Islands, according to many Virgin Islanders she is not an indigenous Virgin Islander meaning she doesn’t go back generations. So basically she is still considered Dominican to a great degree. My suggestion is support the young lady Domincans! She is as much Dominican as she is Virgin Islander.
ummm i did not hear the young lady say anything about she being dominican.she said she was born in texas,raised in st thomas. no mention was made of dominica so stop beating up one another.Anyway i wish her all the best and i hope my vote help put her through.
Can Dominicans ever root for the underdog?
Can Dominicans ever be proud of someone else besides themselves?
Can Dominicans ever stop being Jealous of other people’s accomplishments?
You Dominicans are sick!
She is beautiful, but Dominica has a lot of beautiful girls taking part in the local pageat, why don’t we send a beautiful Dominica queen, which is born, bred, raised, to support Miss World……
We, Dominican woman, are beautiful and intelligent, including myself, why don’t we take part in regional pageants, like the bigger ones, not only the Caribbean.
I agree we, we need to be represented in Ms. World. Dominica does have a lot of talented and beautiful young women.
sweet Jesus I meant Dominica does have a lot of talented and beautiful girls…
WOW! Ms. Tonge is Dominican! Her both parents are Dominican. This makes her Dominican by virtue of this fact. She represents Dominica very well. You may want to make local representation at the Miss World pageant your presonal quest. However, please do not underscore other people’s participation based on personal goals, dedication, pursuit of happiness, and embraced opportunity.
BE PART OF SOLUTION! STOP CREATING PROBLEMS!
For her to become a Dominican, (although she is of Dominica parentage) she has to apply for Dominican citizenship. That was what was told to a friend of mine recently, who is in the same situation.
It may sound rediculous but yes, she has to apply for Dominican Citizenship.
“My Piece” to be Dominican you only need one parent to be Dominican. My daughter is US born to Dominican parents and holds a DOminican passport.
Did really read the Press Release. She is competing for Miss America not Miss World.
If she was asking to come Dca and go up for Queen show, you guys would complain that she’s not Dominican. So, she’s repping her country, what’s the big deal.
Either vote or don’t vote..
If you voted on account that her parents are Dominicans, good for you. If you don’t want to vote because she’s not Dominican, good for you also.
But just remember – people from other races like to support others from their backgrounds.
is true.jealousy is met evil.so let d young lady go.if it were our daughter at home we would do whatever it takes to send her.so let d young lady be, not because is ah fu awe
She is not Dominican, her parents are. Even though she doesn’t mention Dominica in her video who are we to blame her? Perhaps she only identifies with Dca through her parents. This is about her, not Dominica or her parents. She’s representing VI as an American, not a DOminican which would be impossible.
Just read the story with interest and vote if you wnat to. If she gives Dominica a mention, great for her…if she doesn’t, she had no obligation to. It would be nice if she did, but why hold it agaisnt her? After all, she’s NOT Dominican. You guys don’t consider her Dominican, so why chastise her for claiming her nationality and not that of her parents?
Go Aniska,represent!…… I know that you are making your parents proud……. MarI got people seems taking over everywhere!!!!!!!!!……. wowwwwww………Go Marigot
i do not know the young lady, however i know her relatives, make us proud i don’t care who you represent, you have that opportunity make good use of it. never mind the haters
She never cared about Dominica, You aint getting my vote sorry!!
…and that’s ok!
No thanks I will save my vote! Born in Texas raised in UV, at least you could have mentioned born of Dominican parentage. But hey I guess You are going up for Miss American so you fear the that will prevent people form voting for you. People look at her! Yes I will give her that she is well spoken for! not even her outfit says Caribbean. Dressed like an all american. USVI is still in the caribbean where are the bright colours? Silverish and black in broad daylight? You stand infront a Caribben cruise line and nice blue waters and silver is your choice? Lets face it maybe she’s 1% Dominican due to her parents.
Lets face it u have issues .i have heard this young lady speak at an official function and she is very well spoken,eloquent ,confident…and have an excellently bright future ….win lose or draw….she represents well….u should seek some counciling I think u need it.
Congrats young lady. When you get some time off the schedule you must make a visit to Dominica to speak to our young women on the area of self esteem. I think it is lacking that is why our precious young ladies search for attention, belonging and affections and are in turn abused. Great!
Great point! That’s her mission…
as someone said… she wants votes so she now remember us??? the VI people will vote for her as they are her ‘people’
You go girl !! Make your family and where your root’s are PROUD !! YOU GOT MY VOTE YOUNG LADY !!
She is going for Miss America she has dominican heritage. Which means she was not born in DA. Why allu want her to mention D/a? Then if she did, the Americans would say she is not really American so they wont vote. She cant plz any body but wat she feels comfortable with. So if u donot want to vote for her then shut allu mouth just donot vote. Let those that r voting vote. Allu too fast and negative.
I Voted> People vote
she could mention her parents are from Dominica .that would be good enough.
I wish the young lady well but Dominicans face reality she’s repping the USVI and not Dominica. Her parents are Dominican but she doesn’t claim any ties to Dominica and that’s fine. We need to stop thinking that because people parents are nationals of Dominica then they owe Dominica some allegiance. Matter of fact this is the first time I have heard this girl mention Dominica I’m evenb shocked since I know her personally but that’s her right. As far as the small minded ones screaming jealousy I dare ask of what a degree in pyschology? One of the most redundant and easiet things to pass and meaningless? Really Dominicans are too simple. Pyschology and Business Administration degrees are like having a 3 in cxc basic on the real!
don’t hate appreciate!!!!! You say you’re not jealous but as an outsider reading your comment you definitely sound jealous to me. And as a matter of fact if your were as bright as you are tring your best to seem then you would know that alot can be done with her degree and a word of advise to you get your facts together before you say stuff to make yourself seem unintelligent like you just did… I’m just saying!!!!
This young lady is quite accomplished. She has a goal and she is determined to achieve her goal which is to become a very successful young woman of Dominican parentage. If you had given this any thought you would not think that a degree in psychology is redundant. A first degree in psychology allows you to branch off into most any field. Her decision was well thought out. You may have attended the same school that she did so maybe you should have given some thought to following her example and reach for the stars.
I do hold a very prominent position in the vi and who ever you are I think u need to c a phycologist. I have A degree in phycology….but did not stop there I went on to greater things ….it’s not the degree that .i know folks who did not finish 9 th grade and you would not be worthy to stand in there shoes…..I think u need help you seen to have a very low self esteem….and full of bitterness….wow.
Pretty girl but I have seen prettier Dominican girls.
Is this just about looks? you are soo petty!!
OMG
i will be watching all the best bring it home
We Dominicans like to buy people who doh even worry with us. Steupse…. Please take a look at the video.. And tell me why I should vote for her. #givemeabreak
If u don’t know y u should ,
Vote ,leave it alone you are too slow stay out of the conversation
Her video is ok but I love Miss Nebraska because she supports a cause that is near and dear to me.
Keep shooting for the stars. Grab your chance and take it. You are doing great. I’ll be looking out for you. Congratulations andall the best.
Well, all you really have jokes eh boy. Guess she wants votes now, she finally remembers where roots are planted. I wish her good luck
just support and stop chatting crap
STUPESSSSSSS, her video said nothing about Dominica, “born in Texas and raised in the virgin islands”. Im saving my vote. sorry.
Born from Dominican parents you fool! Like everyone else they went off to get a better life for themselves, now look a prestigeous opportunity presented itself for for them. Don’t be selfish, just save you comment if u choose not ti vote
its not like you wanted support anyway
The young woman is not going up for Dominica. But she is Dominican automatically because of her parents. She is representing the country of her own birth, not the one of her parents’ birth. Give her a break.
I wonder when in the last Olympic Games we had an Athlete who ran for Dominica, I wonder if his neighbors shunned him because he did not run for the country of his birth. If they did, how would you have felt?
How did you feel when you saw him carrying our flag? How did his country of birth feel?
She will mention Dominica when the time is right, maybe the time is not right now that does not make my children or your children born out of Dominica more Dominicans than her. How would you feel if on the day of the pageant she wore a Wob Dwiyet without ever mentioning Dominica’s name before that?
I wish her the very best!!
Congratulations to miss Virgin Islands,her parents and the Virgin Islands.
how can she put us on the map if she did not even mention us?
make dominica proud seen to be on bbc ccn fox lol make dominica be seen my deir good luck i will surely vote for you we luv u
Great!
Good Luck, I’ll be looking out for you. Make us proud!
marry me
i went school with this girl an she couldnt stand dominicans, but any ways all the best to her
what the hell you said that far, you big dummy her parents is from there. Then she can’t stand her parents.
she was right allu dumminicans to FAST and like to talk motor mouths.
Just watched the video. She dont need no votes from us. “her people” (as she said in the video) will vote for her.
Yea there’s a lot of them that were born in the VI to Dominican parents and they say they can’t stand Dominicans…down island people they call Dominicans. I wish her all the best though…hope she reps the VI with pride.
im sure its ur rotten attitude she could not stand. why do we always get personal. ……!
Hot debate. It is not that she couldn’t stand Dominicans. She just has a low tolerance for those who have been given the opportunity to make a better life for themselves and they choose to become ‘BAD GYULS’. She is loves Dominica, Dominicans and Dominican culture. Why her favorite person in this whole wide world apart from her parents is DOMINICAN to the bone.
Congratulations Ms. Tonge. Praying for your success in all your endeavors.
All the best to you my love, remember to promote the NATURE ISLAND OF DOMINICA.
God bless.
We she did not remember to promote or mention Dominica in her video. She talked about the diversity in her life and background but her Dominican heritage was not part of it at all. I voted for her, and I hope she includes what we are portraying here in this news item, someone who is at least part representation of our nature Isle.
@AHA there will be no exposé for Dominica!! I went to school with her and I’m not a hater or I’m I hating but she don’t claim Dominica. She would always act like she wasn’t from there whenever u ask her. I wish her all the best but I don’t see why DNO is exposing her like that!! She ain’t no real Dominican.. Her parents may be but not her!! She reps the VI..#imjustsaying!!!
Jealousy is a bad thing! Did she ever, to your face, tell you that she does not like Dominicans? Her parents are Marigotians to the bone. Her heritage encompasses the whole of Dominica…from Grandbay to Marigot. You should not castigate her for representing the VI. Dominica, as a country, cannot participate in Miss America. Miss America is for America. However, the fact that she has such a strong Dominican heritage means something and should be celebrated. If the pageant could include Dominica, she would be PROUD to represent Dominica. Now, the benefits of her participation in this pageant may not reap immediate benefits but the future is endless…Instead of throwing negatives, why not try to be positive one time. The point to remember is that, in spite of the fact that she may not have been born on Dominca but, based on her parents DOMINICAN root, she CAN and DOES claim her heritage.
It’s not jealousy. You need to come to ST.Thomas to see them. Kids born in the 50 states are more likely to rep Dominica then kids born or raised in the VI…that’s a fact. I hear it every day.
I voted and hope she wins big! She can doe claim Dominica if she wants but her grand parents are from Marigot & Grandbay. Marigot side, Fello is her uncle; Grandbay side, Roy & Morrison Tonge are her uncles, . Big-up Aniska we with you girl.
so she could simply say that her heritage also encompasses Dominica. then she would have gotten my vote…
All the best.
i voted all the best miss Tonge
but people she not dominican
You go Girl and make us proud..
us proud? de woman is an american! if is her mother that was going up for miss america i would be happy! lol
shut the hell up!! you people jealous..stupid fool!!!
My daughters were born in the USA and they visit DA every chance they get. They do school projects about Dominica, they are aware of my culture which is ultimately linked to them. What is wrong with them representing USA and because of me, their mother and grandparents, soliciting for support from Dominicans! Give the girl a break. She is an An American with Dominican heritage, whether or not she claims Dominica, she doesn’t have to, I will support.
who is the fool that thumbs down?
You …for real…the fool
black pearl, i jealous? lol… i pass those stage of being in miss teen. i just saying that we seem to forget that the woman not from dominica… it would be nice if she would win but is not us she going to make proud.. is the us virgin islands!
who’s the stupid fool now?
Great example,your mom and dad should be very proud.You have your head on good luck.Your going to win.
That’s wonderful! Will be rooting for her all the way! Can only imagine the exposure for Dominica if she wins!
Ahben wait for de exposure… I think you should check out her video before you go rooting out trees! LMAO! … Dominica wasn’t mentioned pa pour ahyeh!!!
I know!. Is only when they hunting for “votes” they does remember their “roots” wi. Stupes!!!
But if she wins, you will mention Dominica doh!
congratulations, and do your best. it’s nice to hear something positive