Eight ladies from different parts of the island will vie for the title of Miss Carnival Mother’s Queen 2017, scheduled to take place on Saturday, February, 18 2017 at the Arawak House of Culture.
The contestants (pictured above from right to left) are Tamika Burgins of Thibaud, Delah Gachette of Elmshall, Juesther Prentice of Silver Lake, Royette Cooke of St Joseph, Ann-Marie Cornelius of Castle Bruce, Nellister Tavernier of Scottshead, Aquenel Victorine of Goodwill and Alix Warrington also of Goodwill but resides in Switzerland.
Warrington is being sponsored by Dominica Swiss Diaspora, and is the only contestant who has received a sponsor so far.
They were officially launched at a ceremony held at the Calypso House in Bath Estate on Saturday.
The contestants are expected to make their appearance in the following segments: Opening number, Talent Performance, Swim Wear, Spectacular Wear, Evening Wear and Question & Answer round.
The aim of the show is to portray the traditional costume of Dominica, to highlight the talent of mother’s on island, to contribute towards the Carnival industry and to be able to give back to needy members in different communities.
Secretary Treasurer and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Carnival Mother’s Queen Show Committee, Claudine Charles told Dominica News Online that the Committee is seeking sponsorship for the contestants.
“Thus far we have the training of the contestants going on and we are actually seeking sponsorship for all our girls,” she said. “We have one with official sponsor, our Diaspora contestant [Alix Warrington]”
Charles continued, “For the other girls we continue to work hard to get them sponsors in order to execute a very good Carnival show.”
“We are calling on persons to give whatever they can, whether in cash or kind we accept any of the following,” she added.
Meantime, Reigning Mother’s Queen Miss Erna Reynolds, who addressed the launching ceremony, told the new contestants that the road to the throne is challenging, but in the end so much will be learnt, observed and felt.
“There will be days of frustration, times of panic and moments of uncertainty,” she stated.
However, she noted that being resilient in the face of these obstacles will define the outcome on the night of the show.
“Keep the faith, work hard and you will persevere,” she advised. “Keep in mind that not all things that glitter are gold, but put your best foot forward and you will shine brighter than a diamond.”
Reynolds told mothers to be proud, “because our children are our legacies.”
The show is carded to begin at 8:00 PM.
In 2017 the committee plans to give back to CHANCES, a facility for children at risk.
Too much negativity.. If ms Warrington wins we can have the opportunity to stress over her being present to attend functions throughout the year .
The show hasn’t even begun yet there is arguing and confusion?
too much coushonie…………
As I have previously stated, Dominica has come a long way and is progressing in different respects. It takes nationals to build a country and to enhance it.
These shows build confidence, love for one’s country and community. It also makes those who participate in them more concerned and caring mothers, always wanting something better and striving higher for themselves and for their children. Each person deserves it.
All are talented in different ways. There are many opportunities to eventually take advantage of and to apply them to one’s choice.
To all of you ladies, I wish you good luck. Be positive. Strive hard with confidence. It will be a worthwhile experience for you. Have fun in the interim.
Tamika Burgins smile…a little smile never hurt nobody.
Congrats to Alix Warrington my childhood friend.
Much luck to you and all the beautiful ladies.
What do some of you all really believe? because we reside overseas we forfeit our right and privileges as every other born Dominican? We all want to copy everything north American, yet are having trouble supporting Dominicans trying to keep the culture alive.
We are the ones working hard in the Diaspora to Assist in Nation building and Love for Country. I am urging you and negative critics like you to focus on how good it will be to have one of our very own beautiful Mother in the Diaspora taking part in one of our prestigious pageants.
I have no issues with someone from oversea coming and taking part, the person is a Dominican by birth and can take part in any competition once she meets the criteria. If she wins so what? Its not like Mother queen takes part in competition overseas like the national queen contestants or am I wrong and they do. Having someone from oversea shouldn’t matter to the other contestants as long as they perform their best. It happens in Calypso show and people dont complain, the organizers have no problem with it, why should the viewers, its not like the viewers can prevent it…. Way to go girl….
Can you name one ‘foreign’ calypsonian who was allowed to participate in the competition? As far as I know they have not allowed that to happen. Singing Sandy tried and was unsuccessful and before her Tronada and others tried. The fact remains that when you win a competition in Dominica you are expected to be there to represent Dominica and to participate in whatever functions that you are invited to. Is she willing to travel every time she is needed? Those are important things to consider. No one is denying the fact that she is Dominican. That is not the issue. Will she be available for all the rehearsals and if she wins, will she be available for all functions during the year?
Do you know what her future plans are which she will not divulge now?
This is the problem some of you are always too assuming and run too quickly to conclusions.
So because she resides overseas it means she’s no longer Dominican? This happems a lot..in professional sports for example. Athletes reside in other countries, but when it’s time for the Olympics for example, they represent their country.
congrats to Nellisa Tavernier for taking this bold step. I know she will get the support of orange city and the ppl of the community. way to go girl.
Della should win. Unless she forget herself and goes overboard.
Why should you have someone who resides abroad take part in the competition, so if she wins what is going to happen? That’s not right, you should not allow that.
I agree with you Befilia… That’s just not right.