BIOGRAPHY: Carnival Queen Contestants

Contestant Number One: Jeanne Royer

Born on September 20th 1993, I am nineteen year old Jeanne Louisa Royer from the beautiful, quaint community of Goodwill. I am a creative, amiable and optimistic person who thrives on learning and experiencing new things.

I attribute my positive Catholic upbringing to my education at the Convent Preparatory School and the Convent High School. From primary school, I have always had a passion for reading. I would spend hours at the public library going from shelf to shelf looking for new books to read. From an early age my parents encouraged me to use my artistic skills to enter various art competitions locally and regionally. I won many prizes for drawing, logo and poster competitions across the island and even at an Easter hat competition! Also, from a very tender age, my love for music began and I learned to play my first musical instrument, the recorder. I continued with music classes throughout my childhood learning to also master the steel pan and saxophone. During my high school years, I formed part of the CHS school band where we attained gold, silver and bronze medals for our performances at the School’s Arts Festivals.

Despite my strong involvement in numerous after-school activities, I always managed to remain a diligent and focused student. I was a monitor, peer counselor, a member of the Debating Club as well as the Creative Writer’s Club at the Convent High School.  During my years at high school I participated and won many competitions including the 2007 Tourism Knowledge Competition with the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association, the 2009 winner for designing the logo for Math Educators and I also wrote the slogan ‘Count on us to Count you’ for the last national census.

Currently, I am a student at the Dominica State College, pursuing associate degrees in Mathematics, Literature and Biology. I was the president of one of the most prestigious clubs at college – the Culventure Club! Culventure stands for culture and adventure, a name which we proudly upheld by hosting creole-themed activities and promoting environmental awareness. My favourite activity with the Culventure club was hiking the different segments of the Waitikubuli National Trail. In 2011 I was selected to do a biology internship with the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. Also in 2011, I won the Canto Regional Essay Competition writing on the topic “Better life in rural communities with ICTs” and as winner, I travelled to Surinam to be part of an international conference on Communication.  I am also a proud member of the Dominica Red Cross and the secretary of the National Archery Association.

Over the years, my hobbies have changed many times however my most rewarding thus far has been writing and reading. My favourite authors are J.K Rowling, George R R Martin, Khaled Hosseini and Shel Silverstein. I also have a love for music, drawing, blogging, sculpting, beading and gardening.

I am inspired by President Barack Obama because he has high moral values, he is dedicated to his promises and he is the image for perseverance during adversity. I have followed his campaign from the beginning and his slogan ‘yes we can’ still resonates today.

In the future, I see myself as an architect, like my father. I chose this field because I love art and design. One day, I hope to create something that truly represents beauty and the natural environment, something that reflects all the positive attributes of our country Dominica.
Jeanne’s Platform is Nature Conservation.

Contestant Number Two:  Melinda Ulysses

Melinda Chervon Ulysses was born on the 1st of December 1990, the only daughter of Marigold and Bernard Ulysses. Her education began at the St. George’s Pre-school, followed by the Convent Preparatory School, and the Convent High School,

She successfully completed all three levels of education and graduated from the Convent high School in 2007.

She was successful in the 6 subjects that she sat at CXC general level.

Melinda did not attend the State College, but indulged in Computer literacy and Youth Leadership Skills with the Youth Division. She was employed at the Alliance Francaise on attachment where her already deep love for the French language was strengthened.  Following that she was employed as a secretary  at the office of Dr. Julien De  Armas, and later as a French and religion teacher at the St. Mary’s Primary School. She is still employed to this date, at that institution.
At the age of 7, Melinda was enrolled in the Brownie movement, followed by the Guide Association where she participated in the 2005 Miss Merry Noel competition, placing 2nd runner up and receiving the title of Miss Photogenic. From Guides, Melinda was promoted to Rangers, and later crossed over to the St, Alphonsus Scout Troop where she became the Cub leader, and Band Major.

She was also involved in classical piano playing at a very early age.

She sat three examinations with the worldwide established Royal School Of Music (ABRSM), receiving a distinction, a merit and a pass. Melinda began playing the violin as well, but stopped due to CXC preparation.

Miss Ulysses is a very active individual, and channels all her energy into positive activities. She has a passion for helping the academically challenged students at her school and has given private tutoring for that reason. She plans to study in the field of Special and Early Childhood education. She enjoys reading, writing short stories and poems of her own, embroidering, cake making and decoration, drawing, painting and designing.
Her passion however lies within the realms of the French language, photography and music.

As a result of her employment at the St. Mary’s Primary, Melinda was enrolled in a three year programme, organised by the Ministry of Education and the University of the French Antilles and Guyana (UAG), and she studied on both Martinique and Guadeloupe.  She now speaks fluent French. Melinda aspires to obtain a Master’s Degree in that field.

Melinda is known to many, in and out of Dominica as Mel-C. The singer/ songwriter has composed over 100 songs, recorded 25, and has released a video for one of her very popular singles entitled  “Sweetness”

Melinda aka Mel-c was a featured artist on several shows, organised by Mr. Dane Smalling, and has shared the stage with many a great artists including Queen Ifrica,  Munga Honourable, Christopher Martin, Wayne Wonder and Macka Diamond.

When Melinda was based in Martinique on a six month period, she formed part of a young and vital music group entitled: Caribbean D’vasta” with which she composed, recorded and performed her French compositions. Here in Dominica, she is the female vocalist for “Ti Orkest” a very multifaceted band, managed by Mr. Creig Henry.

Contestant Number Three: Kelshia Breezie

Kelshia Breezie was born on April 25, 1991 to parents Cuthbert Breezie and Alex Frampton in the village of St Joseph.   Her primary education started in her birth village and continued at the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School.  During her academic tenure, both Kelshia and those around her discovered her academic excellence accompanied by her artistic nature and flair for the dramatics.

During that time, Kelshia was able to hone in on her passion for dance and social activities which propelled her to become involved in community cultural groups, leadership of interested young dancers and drama activities in her community.

Kelshia’s familial background has not yet allowed her the opportunity to pursue her desire to be a radiologist but that has not kept her from following her desire to succeed as a person who contributes to her society.  In that regard, she is currently employed as an Escalation Support Specialist at Clear Harbor Dominica Ltd., where she gets to carry out her social responsibility by assisting both the frontline employees, local leaders and corporate influences in determining the path required for the success of the company through its staff populace.  Of course, this is a perfect opportunity for her growth.  During her tenure at Clear Harbor, she has taken all opportunities offered as it relates to leadership skills enhancement, and of course the financial stability that the job offers in terms of arriving at her scholastic ambitions.

Kelshia’s motivational drive comes from her own desires to be an asset to her society, in addition to the motivational tactics experienced through her professional and personal exposure.

Kelshia’s aspirations for pageantry come from her longing to give back to the society that has raised and encouraged her from a path of destructive youthfulness to one of responsibility, recognition of self-respect and determination.  She wants to prove to people of humble beginnings like herself, that there is no room for self-pity or the acceptance of psychological poverty.

Kelshia is determined to walk away with the crown as the 2013 Queen of Dominica and to shine like no other “ordinary” girl has ever shined before.   Following the general guidelines offered by her mentors; she wants her peers and fellow citizens to recognize their potential as part of a state with a social responsibility to all of its members.

Contestant Number Four: Fatima Noel

Fatima Noel was born on the 17th of August, 1989 to Merle Durand of San Sauveur and Paul Noel of Georgetown, Guyana at the San Sauveur Health Center.

My mother, Merle Durand, left Guyana to give birth to me in Dominica and at that time my father Paul Noel left for Pakistan. As a result I never knew him at birth. At the age of two, I moved to Gallion with my mother begin a new life. Growing up with four brothers, I was taught all of the tricks I should know, from playing marble hole, to climbing kennip, guava, mango, and cashew trees, using gum from breadfruit trees to set traps for catching birds, playing cricket, and walking thirty minutes to go to the garden. Every Saturday morning at 3:00 am, I went to the market with my mother and was her cashier until we left for the day.

I attended the Soufriere Primary School for seven years, during which time I was always the most outstanding student of every class, placing first every term. Furthermore, I represented my school in spelling B competitions nationwide, athletic competitions as a 100 meter runner, as well as singing competitions with the school’s choir. Participating in my primary school’s princess show is also one of my fond memories and I emerged third runner up. At the age of nine, being a vibrant and frequent church member, I was asked to become the youth Sunday school teacher, which I gladly accepted. I also started leading the church choir at ten.

After common entrance examinations, emerging the first in my school, my grandparents rewarded me with a ticket to visit them in the United States of America which gave me the opportunity to meet my father for the first time. I returned home after six weeks to begin my journey at the Dominica Grammar School which I attended for five years.  My involvement in the bible club, DGS choir, being prefect for three years, and netballer for three years, leading worship in assembly and reciting the National Pledge at our founders day ceremony in the presence of Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit and his Excellency Nicholas Liverpool are some amazing memories I still have of my secondary school experience. I also had a passion for cooking and as a result ensured that I did Food and Nutrition as a core subject, in addition to Accounting aiming to become a professional chef, and managing my restaurant in the future. My passion for business management was exercised at an early age when my mother opened her store ‘Flowers Plus’, and placed me as her store manager. I graduated from The Dominica Grammar School, and received a scholarship from the First Caribbean International Bank to assist with pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

I began assisting at the bank during my breaks from school with their annual Unsung Heroes program, and was temporarily hired after a few months, as Branch Ambassador. After six months, I was employed full-time as a Customer Service Representative. At that time, I was also a member of the Sixth Form Sisserou Singers which allowed me to do what I love best, singing.  Nevertheless, in September 2011, I resigned from the bank to assist my grandmother who had suffered two heart attacks in Florida after the death of my grandfather. Five months after I returned home, I participated in the Q95 Radio talent search and made it to the semi finals.  I am now employed at Clear Harbor Dominica. I have a passion for singing, writing my own songs, and travelling.

One if the things that I want to accomplish during and after my journey in the Miss Dominica Pageant 2013, is to reach out to the many individuals who have gone through some of the same life experiences as me, such as growing up without their biological father. I intend, with help, to start a prison outreach program to directly contact the missing fathers and sons, as well as a school program to reach out to, and assist the children growing up in schools without their fathers.

Contestant Number Five: Nickisha Philbert

My name is Nickisha Philbert and I am an ambitious young woman hailing from the community of Laudat. I was born and raised in this tranquil village where I have come to love the environment that so lusciously surrounds my community. My life revolves around the natural ambiance of Laudat. This is embodied in the fact that I live and work at my home. I am currently a teacher employed at the Laudat Primary School. There, I teach all subjects, my favourite being Language Arts and Visual and Performing Arts as my talents lie within the realm of Arts.

I enjoy speech, writing, acting, singing and any abstract form of expression. I have been a teacher at that establishment since the supple age of 17, fresh from the Convent High School and since then have been enriching the minds of youth within my community.

I also served as the President of the Laudat Youth Group ‘Laudat Diplomats’ for one year and am actively involved in youth development within my community.

My hobbies include anything artistic, with drawing and painting being at the top of my list. As a little girl I saw my aunts participate in this pageant and want nothing more but to compete and have this as another one of my life accomplishments.

Contestant Number Six : Leslassa Armour-Shillingford

Down to Earth, natural and committed, Leslassa has a positive spirit which touches people in a very ‘real’ way. Born in Dominica to Dominican parents, Leslassa has lived in a number of other islands including Barbados, St. Vincent and Haiti. At the tender age of 13, Leslassa faced a medical diagnosis which threatened her mobility, however, passionate about her dancing and sports she defied the odds and through her determination and discipline came through the condition successfully. Leslassa’s ability to be unwavering in her dedication to see a task through to a positive conclusion is one of her most admirable assets; the type of young woman who embodies the ideal characters of a Miss Dominica.

At 19 years old Leslassa is an example of what hard work and commitment can produce and has grasped every opportunity and overcame every challenge she has faced in life. A proud graduate of the Harrison College in Barbados where she lived with her mother and 2 brothers, she obtained 8 CXC O levels. At the Rothesay College in New Brunswick, Canada she was honoured with the Institution’s most prestigious senior female award for ‘Fine Character, Scholarship & Sportsmanship’ and graduated with top marks for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Leslassa, having demonstrated her leadership skills through academic, extra-curricular & volunteer activities was elected Head of House.

Coupled with her academic achievements, Leslassa has received numerous distinctions and merits in the arts. An accomplished dancer, while at College she was awarded “Greatest Dance Contribution”. She recently placed 2nd in the Dominica Can Dance competition which was held on 8th December 2012. Her love of dance has also led her to her current roles as Dance Teacher at both Pioneer Preparatory School and at the Old Mill Institute of the Arts here in Dominica.

Leslassa has been a vegetarian all her life and believes passionately in conservation and living in balance with nature. She fully appreciates the importance of holistic education, her pageant platform, and the need for all Dominicans to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Her motto ‘find your passion & excel’ is one of the main expectations of fully integrated Holistic Education.

As well as dance, she is passionate about national development and her current tasks at the Anchorage Hotel Whale Watch & Dive Center allow her to contribute to the development of Dominica’s Tourism Industry. Leslassa knows that tourism is now the main economic sector in Dominica, but also recognizes the urgent need for Global food security. To this end she is keen to further her studies in Agricultural Economics.

A friend’s friend, Leslassa, which means ‘Harmony’ in Amharic, an Ethiopian language, has been described by friends, teachers and colleagues as a brilliant and joyful addition to any group.

Contestant Number Seven: Daina Mathew

Age:  20 years old

Community:  Canefield East

Education: I graduated from the Dominica State College with an Associate Degree in Literature and Economics. During which I also pursued A Levels in Literature and Economics

Occupation:  I am a teacher at the Convent High School

Special Interest:  The empowerment of young girls and women

Hobbies:  Piano playing, singing

Personality: I would describe myself as being self-driven, hardworking, cheerful and compassionate to others.

Favourite Author:  Alexandre Dumas

Community Involvement: Sixth Form Sisserou Singers, Bethesda Youth Group (church group)

The person I admire most & why: Truly, the person I admire the most is my mother, Enalie Matthew. She is the epitome of strength, passion and perseverance in a woman. My mom has encouraged me in all my endeavours and has always believed in me.

Where do I see myself in the next five years?  In the next five years I would be just finishing my Bachelors in law and heading back to Dominica to practice and establish myself in that field.