Queen of Carnival screening concluded, nine delegates selected

By Zya Williams

Screening for the 2024 edition of Queen of Carnival has ended with a final nine women selected to compete in the highly anticipated competition.

The Festivals Commission will announce  delegates when they make their first official public appearance at the Carnival Media Launch on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

According to a media release, the Festivals Commission conducted the screening for the 2024 Queen of Carnival contestants on Saturday, April 6th, 2024. Nine hopefuls, eight in-person and one via Zoom, were judged in four categories: Interview, Swimwear, Performing Talent, and Cocktail Attire.

During the Interview, judges adjudicated mastery of the English language, delivery, content, diction, clarity, and fluency.

In the Swimwear segment, the young ladies were judged on muscle tone, poise, and carriage in their personal selections. The Cocktail Attire segment is adjudicated on impact, carriage, and poise.

The young ladies had two minutes to display their talent, with judges looking for authenticity, interpretation, originality, natural talent, presentation, and relevance.

The esteemed panel, led by the distinguished Calvin Southwell, a pageant expert, along with Shermain Jeremy (2002 Queen of Carnival and Jaycee’s Caribbean Queen) and Sharon Herbert (First Runner-Up Queen of Carnival 1996), Adjudicating thee screening process.

Reflecting on the experience,  Jeremy remarked, “This was one of the most demanding tasks for me. These young women are not only beautiful but also highly educated and talented. “

Among them are attorneys at law, one with 19 grade 1’s, and nearly all are degree holders or in pursuit of one. We even had candidates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.” She also advised, “Those who didn’t make it should walk away confidently and consider trying again next year.”

Senator Shenella Govia, Junior Minister of Carnival, confirmed the return of the esteemed  Brucella Marsh-Sutton and  Shane Marsh from Marsh and Marsh Productions as Co-Chairs for the Queen of Carnival 2024.

Senator Govia stated, “Reappointing Marsh and Marsh Productions was an obvious choice after they elevated the Queen of Carnival 2023 to new heights, resulting in a show that was eagerly awaited, impeccably executed, and successful, as demonstrated by the record-breaking attendance.”

She added, “The young ladies’ level of preparedness was impressive, and I expect it will contribute to a highly competitive show that blends cultural heritage with modern appeal.”

Additionally, the reality series “Crowned” will make a comeback, continuing on the same platform as in previous years. The series offers the audience an intimate look at the contestants’ journey to the competition and doubles as a promotional vehicle for the Queen of Carnival show.

Ischikelle Corbin, reigning Queen of Carnival and Jaycees Queen Show, will host the show.

 Corbin was also present at the screening, lending moral support to the hopefuls.

The 2024 Queen of Carnival Production will be staged under the theme:“Be Extraordinary…Dream,Believe, Evolve.”