Reigning Carnival Queen Marcia Baptiste said young women vying for next year’s crown should start acting in the role they wish to secure from the moment they are selected.
Baptiste’s comments come as the application process for the 2011 Carnival Queen crown draws to a close.
“The Miss Dominica Carnival Queen pageant is an opportunity for young women to develop themselves, be an ambassador for Dominica and to contribute to our culture, so take it seriously and try to make yourself and others proud,” Baptiste said.
The pageant is open to young women between the ages of 18-24.
Baptiste further stated that young women must realize that “one must be seen as a queen before the show. It is not enough to give a great performance on the night of the show alone”.
From the onset, she said, the young women must start living like role models by respecting themselves, taking pride in their presentation, and be watchful of who and what they associate themselves with from the moment they are chosen as eligible to compete.
“Be mindful also of the fact that you are going to represent the same people who are going to criticize and question your actions and worthiness of becoming their queen,” she said.
Aside from the crown of National Queen, Marcia Baptiste also holds those of Miss Caribbean World 2010 and Miss Jaycees 2010.
“With all the help and chaperons you may have helping you to reach your goal remember that the final result lies in your inner being. At times you may feel overwhelmed, but remember God always,” Baptiste advised.
Events Director of the Dominica Festival Committee Natalie Clarke-White echoed similar sentiments recently, saying that this year’s winner would follow in the footsteps of her predecessors as an ambassador and the face of Dominica.
“To young ladies out there, this is not just a queen show. This is a special occasion where you can represent your country and become an ambassador,” Clarke-White said.
Clarke-White noted that the role is one that should be taken seriously and encouraged applications from only those who are prepared to see it through.
it should not take a show to transform these women into decent young people …. i am a citizen of dominica wondering wat kind of role model that this girl from the current show is going to portray for the youth of dominica … people i need your help tell me what u think about … a contestant walking up to someone and slapping them in the face because she was told to refrain from touching the person’s child ? what do u think should be done about this ? this occured approx 2 weeks ago and the contestant is still threatening to do it again …. the matter is going to be settled in court … but people do you think that it should end here …. please give feedback .
Character and class should be within them long before they are chosen Miss Baptiste. They shouldn’t wait to be part of the pageant to disassociate themselves from negativity and percieved bad fruits. People judge them based on their past and current behavior not on the 5 mins change they try to put on when selected.
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very good keep it up my girl
dominica is the place to stay
very good my girl
with all due respect to ya humble views miss Dominica- what i being put in place for the young women to become queen material or queen before the contest. There is something call ” the making of a queen , a king or a sports person- how is this done with the young ladies in Dominica? Its easi to stand up and say these things but the reality is way way different. One may have to consider issues of preparation, cultural backgrounds, financial wellness, and so many other things… not forgetting the “Like and prefer mentality that exist in every angle in Dominica. In the Big cities – those who are talented are taken seriously and trained to reach the top – with the various support systems. Might i ask the organizers are few pertinent questions?
1) what are their goals and objectives re: the contestants?
2) what systemic program is being put in place in order to get all the contestants perform at their peak?
3) Are their self esteem and coaching courses available to the contestants?
4) What support program is in place for these contestants after the queen show is over?
And by the way it is “plead the fifth”
Diva is there a problem with me wanting to represent my country?
@Dominican Living Abroad: are u coming back Dominica to live?
Yes, and background checks should be done too, because a year after the show you see of the former contestants and the road and the way they conduct themselves and wonder what happened or what it is that the public did not know. You can simply say that it is a shame.
Queenliness is not only for the show and the months of preparation leading up to the show, but it is a natural character of who the person is.
Congrats to participants like Marcia, well done job!
Marcia I must thank you for representing the possie people. You have lived up to the expectations and we thank you. I hope the upcoming girls can be at your standard or even higher. Possie we going hard again. Bless up
Where can I find an application form? How long do you need to be living in Dominica for? I live abroad, I have not been living in Dominica for 15 years apart for visitations. I have not given up any of my rights and I still consider Dominica my home.
@Doing wesley proud: O -GADO
OH GADO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL TAKE THE 5TH ON THIS CASE.
Well said Ms Dominica 2010!!!
well said
Congrats Marcia. Good work and words. Last year’s Queen Show was one of the best in many year’s. Commendation to the Queen sHOW Committee, they have done very well for the last few years. I encourage young ladies to register.
Fellena….Fellena….girl we are proud of you oui..papa.i knew u had style and fashion..but woye……u surprised us with how much you brought it on at that show……….who taught you how to have that stage presence? ah? who show u how to model our cultural wear? well we does say Wesley ppl doh know about culture.but I guess u prove us wrong.keep it up…….u are an ambassador for us all….and of course congrats to the winner and teh other ladies to……..