In a jubilant celebration of the exquisite regional beauty and rich cultural diversity, five outstanding contestants hailing from various corners of the Eastern Caribbean are eagerly preparing to vie for the esteemed title of Miss OECS 2024.
This pageant has traditionally served as a vibrant stage not only to highlight the contestants’ physical allure but also to showcase their deep-rooted cultural legacies, fostering a sense of unity throughout the region. Beyond the glitz and glamour, it provides a valuable platform for participants to champion essential social issues and make a positive impact in their respective communities.
Let’s take a glimpse into the lives of these dynamic contestants as they compete for the coveted crown:
Stepping into the spotlight first is Contestant Number One, Amonai Francis, set to represent her homeland of Grenada. Not only is she the stunning Ms. Grenada 2023, but her journey is as inspiring as it gets!
A recent graduate from T.A Marryshow Community College, Amonai rocked her Social Science Associate’s degree and even bagged the prestigious Anthony Prosper Award for History Excellence. Now, she’s on fire at Western Illinois University, chasing her dreams and making waves.
Crowned the 2023 National Carnival Queen, Amonai is not just a beauty queen—she’s a powerhouse with a purpose. Using her growing social platform, she’s turning heads as an advocate for mental health awareness, breaking stigmas, and spreading positivity.
But that’s not all. Amonai is a dance dynamo, with 16 years of dedication to the Spyceland Dancers. She also lends her incredible voice to Grenada’s National Folk Choir and Sony’s Vocal Academy.
A devoted Catholic, Amonai is not just a member of the church choir—she’s the CHOIR MISTRESS of both the senior and junior choirs at St Theresa’s RC church in Grenada.
Amonai dreams of taking the stage in the world of theatre and is gearing up to make a significant impact on environmental conservation.
Taking the stage as the second contestant is Thyana Kai Sebastian. Born on February 24, 1997, Thyana is a true daughter of the soil, hailing from the stunning shores of Antigua. Her journey began at Cobs Cross Primary School, and she continued to shine at All Saints Secondary School, representing her alma mater with pride in various activities.
A force to be reckoned with in the world of dance, Thyana embarked on her dance journey at the Antigua Dance Academy, specialising in Afro-Caribbean styles, Jazz, and Modern Contemporary. In 2007, she co-founded The Elite Dancers Antigua with her sisters, where she stands as a Principal Dance Choreographer, making a positive impact through the art of dance.
Beyond borders, Thyana dreams of exploring the world, immersing herself in diverse cultures, and expanding her knowledge of the Performing Arts. No stranger to the pageant world, Thyana emerged victorious in the Antigua Barbuda Labour Queen Pageant in 2018. More recently she participated in The Queen Of Carnival Competition 2023. This experience has not only left an indelible mark on her life but has also inspired her to train and empower other young women in the art of pageantry.
With a heart dedicated to preserving culture through dance, Thyana serves as a Dance Instructor within the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries. Her passion and commitment shine through as she continues to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our rich heritage.
Combining intellect and grace, Adicia Burton, representing Dominica, is poised to enthral the audience as the third contestant during the grand event. From the vibrant hamlet of Crayfish River in the Kalinago Territory, Adicia is not just a powerhouse, but a true trailblazer!
Starting her journey at Isulukati Preschool, Adicia soared through her academic adventures, leaving a trail of excellence. She was Valedictorian at Salybia Primary and Castle Bruce and graduated with honours from Dominica State College with Associate Degrees in Math, Biology, and Chemistry. Adicia’s brilliance knows no bounds.
But that’s not all – this dynamo is not just brains but heart too. As a journalist at the Government Information Service, she’s making waves, championing the Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience Project with the UN, and giving back to her community through various roles in sports, education, and culture. Balancing her time between volunteering, sports, music, and advocating for her Kalinago heritage, Adicia is a true embodiment of beauty with a purpose.
A Youth Olympian, sports captain, and now a pageant queen, Adicia’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Still, she aims to go further in her journey, as a board member of the Kalinago Ayahora Communities of Excellence Foundation, where she is developing the Kalinago Youth EMA Project to uplift her community.
Adicia Burton – a name synonymous with passion, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of Dominica! Today, she stands as a beacon of hope, advocating for reparations, cultural preservation, and justice.
Entering the competition as contestant number four is Claire Marissa Smartt, proudly representing the island of Saint Lucia. Born on May 19, 1998, Claire Marissa Smartt is a product of St. Joseph’s Convent and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Claire’s journey is not just about academics but also about her profound love for the arts, particularly dance.
A former member of CAM Dancers, Claire has graced numerous stages, including Esperance (2009), Jèté (2014), and St. Lucian Story (2019). Her vibrant energy also shone through as a cheerleader for the St. Lucia Kings and Stars. Showcasing her versatility, in February 2022, she also proudly represented St. Lucia at the Dubai Expo 2020.
Claire’s pageant journey is nothing short of remarkable. From Saint Lucia’s Most Talented Teen to Miss World Saint Lucia 2021, her achievements are a testament to her dedication. She’s also shone in “Export the Runway” and was a standout in the Miss SJC Virtual Queen Pageant.
As an advocate for dancers and the creative arts in St. Lucia, she’s a beacon of inspiration, encouraging young women to embrace their femininity through pageantry. Claire envisions a future where the creative arts are a cornerstone of St. Lucia’s economy. As a marketing undergraduate at the University of the West Indies, Claire balances her academic pursuits with her passion for dance as a member of the Saint Lucia National Dance Company. Her dreams are sky-high, with aspirations to grace the Miss Universe stage.
Concluding the lineup and gracing the Miss OECS stage as the final contestant is Anika Christopher.
Born on Tortola and nurtured amidst the stunning landscapes of Virgin Gorda, 24-year-old Anika is a daughter of the British Virgin Islands. Her educational journey, from the H. Lavity Stout Community College to the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica, has been marked by academic excellence. With an Associate’s degree in English Literature and a Bachelor’s in Literature with a minor in Creative Writing, Anika’s foundation in the arts is solid and inspiring.
As a journalist and author, Anika has penned two children’s books emphasising environmental protection. Her collaboration with UNESCO in arranging author tours and book donations has enriched several schools across the territory. This commitment to the environment and literature showcases her dedication to nurturing future generations. The year 2022 was a landmark year for Anika. She was selected for “The Rock Retreat” writing residency in Gibraltar, UK where she collaborated with globally renowned children’s authors. Her talent also shone through as a poet in collaboration with the Commonwealth Games, and Birmingham Festival 2022. These experiences not only honed her skills but also amplified her global presence.
Anika’s role in climate advocacy is profound. Selected as one of 15 journalists for the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship with Climate Tracker, she produced a mini-documentary series highlighting the pressing issue of climate change in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. Recently, she represented the region at the 2023 Regional
Conference of Youth on Climate Change in Barbados, contributing significantly to the discourse on innovative climate solutions.
Beyond her literary and environmental pursuits, Anika’s love for the arts, drama, and volleyball speaks to her well-rounded personality. As an ambassador for cultural and economic integration in the Caribbean, she leverages her platform to raise awareness about climate change, proving her commitment to both her homeland and the broader
Caribbean community.
Originating from Antigua and Barbuda, the reigning Miss OECS is Keriann Thomas. Renowned for her remarkable accomplishments in the pageant, especially in the creative national wear and swimwear segments, Thomas establishes a high standard for the contestants in this year’s competition.
Despite being rescheduled from its original date of November 1, 2023, due to unforeseen logistical challenges, the pageant, themed “Island Elegance: Beauty Beyond Boundaries,” is now poised to unfold at the Windsor Park Stadium Forecourt this Friday, January 12, 2024.
The contestants are prepared to engage in diverse segments, including talent showcases, interviews, and evening gown presentations, highlighting their multifaceted talents and societal contributions.
The evening’s festivities kick off at 8 PM, with ticket prices set at $120 for VIPs, $80 for regular seating, $50 for standing room, and $20 US for live streaming through Vibean TV.
There is no Friday 15th January 2024. Friday this week will be the 12th & next Friday the 19th. please correct!!!
ADMIN: Thank you for the feedback. The correction was made.