Final speech by Miss Dominica 2010

First and foremost, I would like give thanks and praise to the Almighty God who is my source of strength. Without him I can do nothing!

When I reminisce on the last 12 months, it is astounding to note the knowledge I have acquired, the events I have experienced, the friendships I have made and the way in which I have evolved in such a short length of time.

My very difficult journey was filled with hurdles every step of the way from the beginning, and in the words of Oprah Winfrey “If you are willing to deal with the past then you can make the moment you are in rich,” I will forever be grateful for those life lessons and adopt them in my life for the better.

Being Miss Dominica 2010, has been one of the most humbling experiences that I have ever come across. It has given me the opportunity to play a major role in my community, such as serving as a role model and an inspiration to many people in my community and to counsel, encourage and boost their confidence especially to the youth. I have had the opportunity to make major steps towards publicizing my platform Diabetes Awareness for my country, one of my biggest dreams in the making. Last, but not the least, I have had the opportunity to speak at major events and to travel to other places near and far.

This opportunity afforded me many experiences which took numerous shapes and forms including but not limited to: Having the esteemed pleasure of being interviewed on For All Angles with Mr. Atherton Martin about Diabetes Awareness, writing an article about diabetes in the 2nd edition of the Domnitjen Magazine, hosting the 2nd annual Health and Wellness Fair held at UWI, publicizing the diabetes awareness message on DBS, working with the 4H club promoting healthy lifestyles under the theme ‘Eat what you grow and grow what you eat’, going to the Dominica state prison with Magistrate Tiyani Behanzin and giving a motivational speech to the delinquents, co-hosting the National Youth Rally alongside our 2010 top scholar Liam Rolle, being the guest speaker at the Northern Youth Rally and of course not forgetting learning to scuba dive at dive fest (thanks izzy).

I want to say that these experiences have not only humbled me, but have helped me to have a broader perspective about life, people and culture.

My accomplishments to date are so much more than I could have envisioned. As soon as my journey as Miss Dominica 2010 started I headed out to my first pageant where I captured the coveted title of Miss Caribbean World 2010 in Tortola, then unto Miss Carival 2010 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines where I placed 2nd runner up with three awards, Miss Caribbean Culture 2010 in Nevis where I copped the award for best evening wear, Antigua where I emerged the 2010 Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen with two awards and Miss Caraibes Hibiscus 2010/2011 where I placed 2nd runner up out of 20 contestants. I also had the pleasure of being named Personality of the year 2010 by insideposse.com thank you!

The people I came into contact with, the places I have visited, as well as the pageants that I had the esteemed pleasure of representing my island, have totally transformed my life for always.

Though my achievements are many and my spirit is determined, I couldn’t have achieved this alone and for that, I would like to thank everyone. A trillion thank yous for your prayers, words of encouragement and support from Dominicans both on the island and abroad.

To my beloved parents Hetty Rolle and Marley Baptiste I want to thank you so much for your unwavering support and encouragement, to my terrific siblings Carlyn Rolle, Marva Baptiste, Marette Baptiste, Euley Baptiste and Erjel Rolle, you are simply the best and thanks for being my cheerleaders, I love you so very much and wish you God’s blessings.

To the queen contestants, always aspire to be an ambassador and a role model wherever you go because somebody out there is looking up to you. Let this pageant be a stepping stone to uplift yourselves to live your best life in society by making worthwhile contributions.

To my successor, Miss Dominica 2011, I extend a hearty welcome to you into the “Miss Dominica Sisterhood”, and wish you the very best through your reign and here’s to an incredible adventure of a lifetime. Remember to always put your God first, have self confidence, determination and always be humble.

To the most efficient and creative mastermind my Chaperone Miss Elma Aaron and your family who adopted me, the most creative man Mr. Prince St Jean, Miss Fenella Wenham, Miss Tessa Hyacinth, Miss Jasmara May, Miss Velma Ambo, Miss Frederica James, Mr. Phillip Joseph, Mr. Sean Douglas for your exquisite and classy touch, Mr. Marcus Peter for your never ending help, my talent writer Nurse Mary Parillon your creativity and originality is unmatched, Mr. Michael Ferrol, Miss Doneel Blackmoore, Miss Susan Lafond, my hair dresser Miss Nadia McDowill you always know what style fits the occasion, my designated seamstress from Bioche who made all my pageant swim wears and various clothing items Miss Filina Sango,  my extremely talented costume designer Dr. Lennox Honeychurch and his building team for making my idea a reality, my fitness trainer Mr. Emmanuel Richardson ’Manoe’ owner of Urban Shape Body Action, my designated taxi drivers Mr. Norman Wade and Blackberry, Mr. Malcolm Stephens, Miss Marah Walter and those who helped both in front and behind the scenes, my eternal and grateful thanks for all your tenacious and dedicated work.

Last but by no means least my very gracious and generous sponsors Caribbean Contractors Dominica Limited (CCDL) and Mr. Francis Emmanuel, Dr. Geoffry Lafond – the man who first sponsored me, Northern Concrete and Steel, Northern Festival Committee, Mr. Sanjay Jiandani for sponsoring my second evening wear which won best evening wear awards at Miss Carival and Miss Jaycees- you are an angel from above, Springfield Trading Limited, Belfast Estate Limited, Safari Apartments (thanks Nen), Beverly’s Shipping, Fort Young Hotel, Miss Carlyn Rolle, Mr. Fitz Winston (DBlush), Sakla for all your crotched swimwear, hats and dresses, Aries Boutique you always have the right shoes for my pageants, Fashion Spot in Portsmouth, Candy Girls Store in Portsmouth(Candy you are a blessing), The Glam for my glamorous looks, Supercuts Salon, Lucky Lilly, Dominica Festivals Committee for creating the opportunity for me to be a part of history, the Queen Show committee especially Mrs. Romaulda Hyacinth and her dedicated team, all the media houses, The Prime Minister of Dominica Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit for making my participation in the last pageant possible, Mr. Irvin Jean Jacques in Portsmouth, Miss Catherine Daniel and Toney’s corner stall at Roseau market across from KFC- for all your most cherished assistance during my hour of need no matter how small, I will for as long as I live be grateful that you stepped in when others didn’t to assist and cheer me on every single step of the way.

To LIME Dominica, carnival’s headline sponsor, I will never forget your committed support through it all, ensuring that all my telephone needs were met on and off the island. Many thanks for this. To the government of Dominica thank you for awarding me a scholarship which will enable me to pursue university studies in a field of my choice.

To those of you, whose names were not mentioned, please do not feel slighted. It is impossible to remember the names of all those who assisted me in one form or another over the last twelve months. You too contributed to my success over the last year.

As regards me, I am so excited, as my journey really isn’t over, it has just got started.  I cannot wait to see what the rest of my life has in store for me.

Once again thanks to everyone, I love you all and may God Richly Bless You!