Another contestant, who will vie for the 2015 Carnival Queen Title, has received sponsorship and was officially sashed on Wednesday.
Keianna John, representing the village of Salisbury, has received sponsorship from the West Coast Cooperative Credit Union (WCCU).
Speaking at a press conference, held at the Dominica Festival Committee (DFC) office, an elated John thanked the WCCU for providing the sponsorship.
“I would like to promote you wherever I go as a thank you for this sponsorship,” she said. “I promise that on the night of February 6, I will be bringing home the crown to the West Coast Cooperative Credit Union.”
She stated that the entire experience so far has boosted her self confidence and the sponsorship “allows persons to take me more seriously.”
Meanwhile, President of the Board of Directors of WCCU, Helen Ambo, said in sponsoring John, the company is trying to accomplish two things.
“Firstly, we are investing in youth talent and dream, and secondly we share the responsibility for developing national heritage and culture. We are hoping, off course, to make the best of it. For us it is a good investment.”
She said the WCCU is unable to sponsor every “young person on the west coast with a dream but we are grateful that this time we are making the effort.”
“We want to applaud Kieanna’s ambition, her talent and her self motivation that has led her on this journey,” she said. “I am sure that for her, that it is very exciting and it also a tremendous challenge.”
Meanwhile, Advertising and Promotions Officer of the DFC, Val Cuffy, is calling on business owners to provide sponsorship for the queen contestants.
“We are looking for some sponsorship and are already very grateful for those who have come forward and we would like to make an appeal, on behalf of the DFC and the Discover Dominica Authority, to the corporate community to remember that Dominica Carnival is an all inclusive party. It showcases our rich Carnival heritage and we want you to come on board,” Cuffy said.
The other contestants are as follows:
Normann Jno. Baptiste of Tarish Pit sponsored by Fine Foods Inc and Energy Management Services (EMS)
Odessa Elie of Bath Estate sponsored by Minyas 7-11 and BIG EDGE Financial Services,
Beyandra Blanchard of Pointe Michel sponsored by Petro Caribe
Charis Nation of Castle Bruce who is sponsored by the Dominica National Petroleum Company Limit
Kelcia Righton of Kingshill, sponsored by the Fort Young Hotel
Patrice Dorsette of Marigot is the only contestant who have not yet receive sponsorship.
The Miss Dominica Pageant is carded for February 6 at Carnival City.
The reigning Miss Dominica is Francine Tiffany Baron of Grand Bay.
so people were not taking you serious before???? why would you make that statement though… that statement was irrelevant and not very coy.
I strongly believe that sponsorship should be secured before the ladies are confirmed; it should not be a last minute thing. You have a whole year to plan for this event, why wait for the last minute to secure sponsorship for the young ladies making those that stay long to get a sponsor fell bad. This practice has been going on for far too long. The carnival committee should alreadly start looking for sponsorship for next year and don’t wait till the last minute
I cannot believe that in the 21st century that these different islands still have ‘beauty’ pageants.
I find them sexist, archiac and soul destroying that young women have to be judged largely on their looks and not particularly their intellect. Just my opinion though…
But U must admit, they look very beautiful eh! mwwaa
I guess they not sponsoring her because she from marigot
Way to go WCCU! Good luck Kiki.
Lennox this contestant needs sponsoring, can you stage a protest and demand that somebody, anybody do your bidding?
LOL. Let Lennox sponsor her. He and his big mouth. You see what he has done again.
It’s a total disgrace that at this point in time a few of these carnaval contestants don’t know who will finance their expenses. Who ever it is responsible for the organising of Carnaval Queen competition should be made redundant as they are of no use. Sponsors should be confirmed as soon as one competition is over.. Now you all are running around looking for money.. Putting these Young ladies under unnecessary stress.. Where are the persons in the private sector.. Come forward and give back something to the public. Or each constituency being represented should arrange a collection for the contestant.
Hope this does not happen in the future…..