Miss Dominica Marcia Baptiste is not discouraged easily, and feels honoured to represent her country on the level which she is doing presently.
“I did not come to get defeated by challenges. I came for the crown; I came for the title and I came to do my country proud,” she noted.
The 25-year-old, who the Miss Caribbean World (Tortola) crown in March and placed 2nd runner-up last weekend at the Miss Carival pageant in St. Vincent, said she regards herself as an ambassador for Dominica.
“I feel elated and I feel very honoured to have represented my country and placed so well,” she comments about her performance at Miss Carival.
She observed that the second question in the response segment of the show put her off, yet quickly adds “everything happens for a reason.”
An optimistic Marcia observed where she erred and anticipates rectifying it at future pageants. “I have a few other pageants to go to and at least now I know where I have a certain weak points … It seems that everywhere I go into the regional pageant the girls are getting better. Definitely this one was really; really tight … they [the contestants] handled their answer and questions really well. They were very intelligent,” she remarked in an interview with Dominica News Online.
However, Baptiste does not feel much pressure. As a matter of fact, she said contesting the regional pageants so far have brought an exciting feeling.
“Actually it’s not nerve wrecking at all. I have just been excited and it’s just a new journey I am going onto; I am learning new things, exploring different islands… learning other cultures [and] getting to market my country out there. A lot of the focus in the pageants that I go to is about Caribbean integration through pageantry.
Baptiste stands at the left of newly crowned Miss Carival Ava Satney of St. Lucia. To her right is 3rd runner-up and 1st runner up on the left.
Being an ambassador
“I’m trying to do my best to represent my country. The level that I’m doing it at being an ambassador which I always tell people I am … you get to know so much more than maybe if you’re reading a book or someone tells you about it … so many different cultures out there and similar in fact … similarities in our history,” the 2010 Carnival queen explained.
Despite her role as a social figure, the Portsmouth native said nothing has changed about her, but the achievement of two crowns and titles which she worked hard for.
According to her, traveling so often is not entirely unfamiliar to her, as this is part of her hobbies.
Baptiste leaves the island on July 25 for Nevis to compete in the Miss Caribbean Culture Pageant slated for July 27. The following competition is the Miss Jaycees Pageant in Antigua.
“I do not see winning Miss Dominica and Miss Caribbean World as if the [other pageants] are going to be easy. I view them as a new challenge,” Baptiste noted.
Her advice to budding carnival queen contestants is: “If you’re not into something don’t go into it… if you don’t have the passion for it because when you enter something and you don’t have the passion for it when you’re faced with trials and tribulations you’ll just let it go … this is something that I wanted; I wanted Miss Dominica … when I was faced with challenges I just told myself you know what challenges come; take them head on, deal with them and move on,” she added.
Her head chaperone is Elma Aaron of Portsmouth.
AA Michael u speaking like honeyfira now papa..took all my comments from my mouth….Whosssssss Puss Marcia i ecco the same words.. I think you on the path that Ms. Dominica of 2008 was. Lost in st.vincent but won nevis and antigua my bet is that you are going to do the same. Much luck
Good strength, conduct, and attitude, my girl. Life consists of many challenges, so what else is there for us to do but to go after our challenges. Yes, we need our passion or zeal to stay on the battle for the things we want and need in Life, or else we will end up with nothing but broken-ness.
Keep going with your strength, your passion, and your desire to make our Dominica proud. And remember that your reward is to continue standing just as tall as she is. Way to go, my dear girl!
You do have the right attitude. confidence is beautiful. I am sure you have identified some areas of weakness that needs smoothing out. For most of the shows you will get questions based on your biography .
Practice makes perfect. You could get sample questions based on current regional happenings , I am sure that based on your background you will get again questions on how you carry you message on diabetes and heath issues. You should practice answering those question with family and friends get their feedback and build your confidence.
Eg. your question at Ms Carival on how you share your message on diabetes. You said that you do it though participating in shows like this one and affiliating yourself with agencies /institutions that promote and teach health care for diabetics….but most times its not only the right answer but the presentation that makes a difference.
All said. You are the right person for the job. I know that you can, and will continue to make Dominica proud.
good luck marcia u did us proud and i know that u will continue to do so more praayers coming your way from all Dominicans esp me….gooooo…possie princess
Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
Marcia, I listened to the show all the way in New York. This is a show that I have been following as Dominica as have had a good record if not winning the title, we have placed. Next to St. Vincent with the most wins, is Dominica. So we are a force to be reckoned.
While I congratulate you on your performance, I do have some advice which I hope will be taken into consideration.
On Friday night expression was lacking in your delivery of your rearrange performing talent. In a competition was 98% of the contestant danced your talent stood out for what is was – drama, but dramatic enough [ lack of expression]. You need to revisit using the political analogies as it made it entertaining.
In the Interview, clearly there was pressure, the tone of voice said it all. In a Pageant, there is no wrong or right answer, its about grace under pressure. Miss BVI was an excellent example there.
You need to work on these areas within the next few days, particularly for the Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show, where Talent and Interview plays a winning role.
You must also remember that you will be coming up against Miss St. Lucia/the winner of Miss. Carival on Friday again, and here dance to that Show Hallelujah was well executed with lots of techniques and also Miss. Kitts who was the 1st Runner up. The Show is Nevis is a walk in the park, but could become a challenge if you do not have the energy to do so.
Talking about energy, right after leaving Nevis you should head to Antigua win or place to get some rest.
I believe you can do it. Please take my advice. I will call Elma!
go marcia .we all know that in any competition there is just one crown and only one person will get it ,so whether you get it or not ,you are still a winner and you have the support of every dominican in dominica and abroad(expecially here in newyork) you are a very determine young lady and we know that you are going to make dominica and dominican proud.lets not forget to say thanks to miss elma aaron for her hard work.
Congrats Marcia….always knew you would do us proud!
I will be at the Miss Jaycees Pageant in antigua in 2010.am always travelling to antigua.Was there for Miss Landra and Mara Walter so am seeing the dream is coming true that Dominica is coming back home with it Marcia.Good luck in the two shows.
Good job my girl, you are doing your best we are proud of you keep doing what you are doing, stay strong and tall, you are a great ambassador.
Good job Marcia. Just work on the area of weakness identified. You can do it again.