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Friday August 4, 2006: 14 countries are fielding delegates to vie for the 45^th Annual Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show title. The 14 include host country Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Croix, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago. The delegates began arriving from about midweek and have been shuttled around to various parts of the country, as well as to sites of significance. Among the said delegates is the reigning queen, Princess Best of Barbados. Best will be giving up her crown, as well as her reign, to a new winner this evening, at the conclusion of the show. Jaycees officials have also disclosed, that 11 judges from the across the Caribbean region, will join one from Antigua & Barbuda, to adjudicate all aspects of the show. The confirmed judges are from Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Croix, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia, Martinique, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago. The Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show have been noted to be the longest running queen pageant in the Caribbean region and this evening’s show, will be held at Carnival City. ><>

25 year old Alejnadra John was born under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. She stands at 5ft 5 inches and bears the vital statistics 33-27-34.

This humble and easygoing young woman enjoys modelling, dancing, and meeting people with interesting ethnic and cultural backgrounds. She believes in the philosophy "you see things and you ask why? But I dream things that never were and I say why not?" and flies her island's flag high wherever she goes.

A receptionist at the La Luna Resort by profession John aspires to become a professional politician in the near future and continues her favourite past time of dancing.

John has excelled academically, in gaining eight passes which includes the Caribbean Examination Council and the General Certificate of Education respectively. Acquiring outstanding credits in chemistry, office procedures and has been awarded a certificate of merit in recognition of her outstanding performance in English. A winner of four major pageants titles namely; Miss 4H Pageant, Miss Mc Donald College, Miss Las Especias Grenada and Miss Grenada National Carnival Queen Pageant 2003-2004.

John is also an aspiring model with Las Especias Grenada, an internationally recognised model agency in Grenada. She has developed strong solo modelling skills on the catwalk, and has consistently used "modelling" as her sub-talent in contests.As a result, she has been discovered by those with discerning taste, and contracted for modelling performances, both at home and abroad.

Recently, she was specially selected to model at an ambassador's reception, and at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Fashion Rhythm in collaboration with Caribbean Export Annual Gift & Craft Show.

She also went on to become a well-known face in Grenada as a leading ambassador for Tourism and Las Especias international forums and competitions. John proudly plays a pivotal role as a strong role model for young women in tourism and entertainment, and educates them on the importance of confidence, marketing, and dedication in the industry.

Francelise White was born a Virgo on the island of Montserrat and at age 22, she stands six feet one inch. She is an Accounts Assistant for the British firm Department for International Development (DFID) and her hobbies are watching TV, reading, sleeping, meeting and corresponding with people, travelling and modelling. Her career goal is to successfully manage her own business in computer,s specialising in graphic designs.

In an effort to stimulate her career growth in order to make her more marketable in the working world,. she is pursuing a certificate in Public Administration at the University of the West Indies Distance Education Facility. Upon completion of the programme, she plans to continue her education at an overseas university pursuing studies in computers.

In 1999, Ms White won the title of The New Millennium Talented Teen, and represented Monsterrat in the Leeward Islands Talented Teen Pageant in Anguilla in 2000. She is currently the reigning Miss Monsterrat Festival Queen (2003/2004).

Javorne Williams is one of the younger members of a family of six girls and two boys. Having so many siblings brought with it the usual rivalries but the Williams family is a close knit and loving family who got even closer after her father, Elijah Williams, died when she was 10 and preparing for the Common Entrance Examination.

As a result of the family's loss Williams' older sisters, Venita, who she said was like a second mother to her, and Noreen took up the mantle at home while her mother went out to work.

Her mother instilled a healthy and disciplined work ethic in all of her children and as a result Williams took and passed the Common Entrance Examination at the age of 10, despite the loss of her father just a few months earlier.

She also has nine CXC passes under her belt and there is no reason why she should not be equally successful at her A" level exams, which she took while participating in the Miss SVG show.

Williams has also already secured entrance to the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus to read for degree in linguistics from August this year.

Despite her hectic academic workload Williams also has a very busy extra-curricular schedule. She is an athlete and represented both the Girl's High School and the Community College. In 2000 she won a bronze medal in the high jump for the Girl's High School at the Inter-Secondary School's Championships. She is also a keen netballer and has played for the Girl's High School and is currently a member of the Cadet Force.

Williams has also been a Brownie, Girl Scout and is currently a Staff Sergeant in the St. Vincent Cadet Force and in 2001 successfully completed a Cadet Instructor's course in Barbados.

She is heavily involved in her community and is a member of 4H Club and sat on its executive twice.

The 4H Club's acronym stands for Heads, Hands, Heart and Health and its motto emulates that which she has strived to do that is "To make the Best Better."

Miss Anguilla Miss Barbados Miss Dominica Miss Dominican Republic Miss Grenada Miss Antigua & barbuda
Melissa Hod Princess Fabu Muba Best Sharlene Richards Juana Jean Louis Nicole A. Seales Mekela Williams

Miss Guyana Miss Jamaica Miss St. Kitts Miss St. Maarten Miss St. Vincent & The Grenadines Miss Trinidad &Tobago
Dacia Blackmoore Marsha Semone Barnett Johan Kelly Melisa Boasman Shanika Findlay Jenna-Mari Andre

Antigua and Barbuda

Dominica:
Miss Dominica-Sharlene Richards, is a 21-year-old part time customer service representative, whose future goal is to become a marketing manager. She was crowned Miss Dominica Carnival Queen 2005 and was awarded Miss Intelligence and Miss Elegance. She noted that her special talent is playing the piano and although she doesn’t speak French would love to visit France. Sharlene said although she appears small and shy, look out for her since she plans to create a stir for her country at the Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show. The lady representing the land of many rivers, is majoring in accounts at the Dominica State College.

St.Kitts:
Although she was economically limited while growing up with seven other siblings,
Johan Michelle Kelly of St.Kitts said she shared a
wealth of unconditional love. She believes in
delivering good customer service and said it is a
distinguishing factor in any organisation. At 23 years Johan enjoys hiking, steel pan and tennis. Her ambition is to establish her own business and make a significant contribution to her country.

Grenada:
Nicole Agnes Seales is a 21 year old Grenadian who loves kayaking and nail art design. But she isn’t all play, this secretary is a student of the University of the West Indies UWI’S distance education and is pursuing a Certificate in Business Administration. Her career goal is to complete a first degree in Business Administration and second degree in Psychology. Nicole also wishes to represent Grenada at the Miss Universe pageant and establish a customer care service/ training facility in Grenada. She plays pan for the NCB Angel Harp Steel Band Orchestra and models part
time with the Spice Model Media and Management Agency. She can be seen on numerous print ads, music videos
and TV ads.

Guyana:
She is an only child, but Miss Guyana, Daria Yodell Ann Blackmoore loves peer-education, cooking dancing and modelling. She is a trained peer counsellor with Artiste Indirect Support (AIDS) and was the lead actress in a World Aids Day Film entitled "Against All Odds." The 21-year-old has been a student of the University of Guyana for two and a half years getting her degree in Business Management. Another of her career goal is to be one of the most resourceful and unique business managers of the world. Her life ambition however is to become a professional model and internationally recognised dancer. Daria said that because of her strict upbringing and morals from church, she has a sense of fairness and respect for authority.

Trinidad & Tobago:

Jenna-Marie Andre just goes ahead and says it. "At the end of the day I think all the girls wanted the Miss Universe Crown."

But there is no trace of bitterness in her voice. There is no trace of bitterness in her at all. From the crinkle of her eyes to the width of her smile to the way her crown sits on her mass of bushy curls, Andre seems too free a spirit to dwell for long on near misses.

She is clearly enthusiastic about the Miss Earth and Miss Model International pageants for which she has been designated to represent the country. With a love for outdoor activity on the one hand, and modeling experience on the other, it seems as though she is a suitable candidate for both.

"I grew up in San Fernando," she says. And then, unbelievably, "I was a tomboy." She revisits her days of climbing trees and hiking up hills in as convincing a manner as one can muster in a pink, frilly top. If indeed she was a tomboy, she hasn't any scars to prove it. According to Andre, long before her turn-around, her mother had envisioned her as a beauty queen.

"This has always been a dream for my mother. I always thought that I'd do it when I'm ready and only recently I embraced it." Andre embraced with a bang. She won the Miss San Fernando City crown just before entering the Miss Trinidad and Tobago pageant. According to her, the pageant experience is one way for young ladies to maximise self-development. "And," she adds, "it's an opportunity to be an ambassador and put our country on the map." Maybe she wants to paint T&T in brighter colours.

And speaking of being colourful, Andre is the ultimate of callaloos. She isn't exactly certain about her ethnic make-up. ("I'll have to check with my mother," she says. "There's Amerindian, Portuguese, Indian, African...".) She is one of those that is too mixed up to take sides. During the pageant, Andre made the issues of racism and discrimination her platform.

"In Trinidad and Tobago we are not as hateful as some other countries are but we are very conscious about race. I love being Trinidadian. I love our culture. I love the fact that I'm all mixed up," she gushes.

Andre is very open as well about a childhood spent between separate parents.

"I never knew my parents together," she says. "I was always in between the two. Weekends here. Weekdays there. As a single parent it was tough at times for my mother," she says. "She had three kids to raise on her own. So basically everything I do is for my mom. She has been my backbone through this process. Her prayers keep me going every day."

Andre recalls a happy childhood, though. She says she was constantly occupied-at church, at school and at camps. She thinks it's made her able to relate well with other people.

During her late teens she began modeling with the House of Jaqui. For her it's a magical experience-the transition from girl to woman. Of course with her win comes the demand for less girl, more woman. A polished, stylish woman at that.

"I still try to get into my jeans and flats," she says. "I just dress it up some more. And I love make-up. If I don't need to wear it I won't... because we don't have to be dolled up all the time. But there's something about this experience... you want to look good."

Andre postponed her Human Resource Management degree in order to compete in the pageant and is looking forward to both her training and her entrance to the world of work over the next year.

Ultimately her career goals lie in the Public Relations field. No need for a personality test here. PR suits her.

Reprinted from the Trinidad Express Newspaper (August 2004)

Scene from Codrington, Barbuda on August 14, 2005: The Queen's Royal Baton Relay stop

Beach Queens

BEACH QUEENS: On the pristine coast of Barbuda, the baton is passed from outgoing 'Queen of Barbuda', Olivia Prescott to current recipient of the honour, Miss Nico Webber

Friday July 29, 2005

The President of the Antigua Junior Chamber and Members of the Executive Council;

As I look around this room this evening, a great piece of literary work by noted writer Maya Angelou comes to mind. It is a true interpretation of the Caribbean woman. Permit me to paraphrase:

“As you walk into a room, Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees, Then they swarm around you, A hive of honey bees.

And the flash or your teeth, The swing in your waist, And the joy in your feet. You are a woman – Phenomenally, Phenomenal Caribbean woman, that’s you.

This evening we celebrate the beauty of form, the beauty of spirit, the talent, and the enterprise of some of nature’s most striking masterpieces, the women of the Caribbean .

All of these qualities are dominant in the Caribbean Queens and in the many women who hold important offices in the Antigua Jaycees, and who are involved in the Caribbean Queen project.

I am sure that everyone will join me in a special salute to our young outstanding phenomenal Caribbean woman Miss Barbados Princess Best who emerged Queen of Queens in last night’s Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show. Special congratulations also to Miss Jamaica – Marsha Barnett; Miss Trinidad and Tobago – Genna-Marie Andre and Miss Antigua Barbuda Makela Williams.

I am sure that everyone will also join me in congratulating all of the attractive and assured phenomenal women who represented their countries in that pageant.

As we celebrate this evening the strength, beauty, elegance, talent and intellect of you the queens of the Caribbean, I wish to remind you that you are a part of a long line of prominent, dignified and majestic Caribbean women.

From writers, entertainers, leaders, politicians, administrators and entrepreneurs and I could go on and on – Caribbean women have made significant contributions to the development of the region.

You are in the realm of writers Maryse Conde , Jamaica Kinkaid and Edwidge Danticat; politician Eugenia Charles; cultural star Susan Kennedy and freedom fighters Queen Nanny and Mary Prince. These women have significantly changed the political, cultural and literary landscape of the region.

In Antigua and Barbuda , our very own Dr. the Hon. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro created history by becoming the first woman to be elected in the House of Representatives and the first woman to serve as acting Prime Minister.

As women of Jaycees and ambassadors of the region, you too can contribute to the further development our region.

Today, we are four months shy of the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Still our people are not fully aware of the significance of this coming together of the islands within the region.

The CSME will be an effective platform on which to expand the trade and economic capacity of the Caribbean . It will create opportunities for member states to access specialized training and technology transfer which will serve to expand the knowledge base and capacity building skills in various sectors and locations.

There will also be enhanced opportunities for cross-cultural interaction and promotion of a greater sense of regional identity and individuals, groups and communities will benefit from greater exposure to cultural norms and practices from across the region.

Through the Caribbean Queen Show, the Antigua Junior Chamber has already shown that it has the capacity to bring together the region through the exhibition of the cultures and beauty of the Caribbean .

I urge the Jaycees to go further and develop and education programme which will target our young women and men and communities preparing them for the advent of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

The economic benefits from the CSME which include improved market access for service providers and enhanced export markets and investment opportunities are vital to the survival of our region in a globalize world.

Jaycees can play a meaningful role in ensuring that our people are prepared and take advantage of the opportunities that will become available.

I also want this evening to solicit the help of the region’s women and more so members of Jaycees in the Caribbean in tackling another issue of major concern to us all.

The Caribbean region as a whole including Hispaniola is estimated to have about half a million persons living with HIV, and the prevalence rate is not only the highest in the Americas, bit it is second only to Sub-Saharan Africa.

The ravages of the epidemic are shown in the remarkable statistic that the mortality rate among young, productive males is increasing, and young women represent the group with the fastest rising prevalence rate.

The epidemic is fuelled by the region’s socio-cultural characteristics: sexual norms expose children to risk at an early age, and people move a great deal, both intra-regionally as well as into the region.

The stigma and discrimination against vulnerable groups help drive the epidemic underground and make the public health approach to control extremely difficult.

From all of this there is no doubt that the problem will impact negatively on the region’s economies if the epidemic goes unchecked.

You can do something to change this. We all can do something. The Antigua Junior Chamber has played a significant role in championing the fight against this dreaded disease, but much more is needed to be done.

I call on you to summon the strengths of the Caribbean woman and expand your education programme to fight this disease.

I hope that each one of you will spread the message in your respective countries that we can overcome this challenge – if we all work together.

The Caribbean shares a culture of ethnic, racial, and linguistic diversity. African, Indian, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures have all contributed to making the Caribbean like no where else in the world. Let us use our diversity as our strength to make meaningful changes in our islands.

I urge you, I appeal to you, to do all that you can to help everyone close to you to be happy.

Have lots of fun and spread the message that it makes sense not to take any risks at Carnival, or at any other time.

And I end as I began by paraphrasing another verse from Maya Angelou’s phenomenal woman:

Monday August 1, 2005: Queen Ivena has retained her crown in the 2005 Calypso Monarch competition. Ivena made the hat trick from a field of ten in the finals at Carnival City. Returning to the arena and placing first runner-up was Lady Falcon, followed by De Bear at second runner-up, Edimelo at third runner-up and King Zacari in the fourth runner-up spot. Other awards announced were “The Most Improved Calypsonian” – Lady Cute, “The Best Social Commentary” – 7 Days of Glory by Edimelo and The Most Humorous Calypso for 2005 – Pot Holes by The Artiste. ><> Edimelo Upset ><> Nine calypsonians take on the reigning monarch Queen Ivena at Carnival City to a packed and appreciative audience. Four of them stood out from the rest in the first round. The four included De Bear, Singing Althea, Lady Falcon and Queen Ivena. In the second round, which has just passed the half way mark, there were serious improvements by some of those who were not that strong in the said first round. (We will continue to monitor and await the judge’s decision.) ><> For carnival results click on the following Antigua 2005 Carnival Results, Jaycees 2005 Queen Contestants ><> The calypso judge whose scores in the female calypso competition has caused much public debate and controversy, has been pulled from the panel. Judge number 5 Grace Cephas Lewis was described as being erratic by a number of calypso fans. Lewis had scored Queen Ivena into sixth place along with another judge, judge number three, while the rest of the panel had given her first place. But in the second round, Lewis improved the reigning monarch to third position, while all of the other judges had marked Ivena at first place. At a press conference after the show, the co-ordinator of carnival Vaughn Walter announced to the amazement of all present, that there was a tie at first place between Queen Ivena and Singing Althea. But Wallter said that the rules of the judging game made provision for the breaking of a tie. Walter said that in tabulating, the judges had to resort to the ranking system. But the said ranking results had Althea taking the first round, while Ivena taking the second. Vice versa, it was a switching position for the second place results of both artistes. As a result, Ivena was adjudged the winner, by a process of having more frontline positions than Althea. Incidentally, Lewis, along with three other judges, including judge number three had placed Althea at first place in the first round. But in the second round, Lewis was the only judge to have given Althea the first place position. ><> $109,500 identified in prize monies for the calypso monarch competition. ><> A calypso critic have said that the judge who gave a near perfect score (99%) to one of the calypsonians could be short of rest, under influence or mentally and physically drained. ><.

Sunday July 31, 2005: The ups and downs of one of the participants of last night’s “Party Monarch Competition”, really stuck on a high note for the winner. She is Claudette “CP” Peters. Peters, who was the lone female competitor, also came in on the performance list at second to last (#14 of 15). The songbird, which sang, “Carnival is all we know”, really aroused an eager crowd, who attended the event at Carnival City. Following in second place was Naycha Kid, another crowd pleaser, who rendered the ladies anthem, according to some persons, “Another man go take yuh place”. The defending champion “Sleepy” pulled in a third place, while Blade settled for the fourth position with the rendition of “Maria”. It was Peters’ first competitive crown. ><> For more carnival results, click on Antigua 2005 Carnival Results. ><> The newly crowned “Party Monarch” said that she was not too nervous going into the competition. In fact, Claudette “CP” Peters was adamant, that she was the flag bearer for all of the ladies who did not participate, or did not make it to the finals. Peters said that she was “sandwiched” between all of the men, but she always wanted to be queen and there it was. Peters is a band member of one of the newest group to be formed in the country “Toxic”. ><> The attendance to the 2005 “Party Monarch Competition” has gone up. That was the word coming from the co-ordinator of Carnival Vaughn Walter. Walter said that the numbers rose by 10% over last year’s. But while the sub-committee chairman Gordon “Banks” Derrick was being showered with praise for his committee’s efforts, Derrick himself seemed not to be pleased. Derrick said that the turn out was disappointingly fewer than expectations. He said that his committee would be meeting to determine, why the numbers were down by 6,000 based on their projections. He did not indicate how and when this exercise would be completed. ><> Last year’s reigning party monarch “Sleepy”, said that he was worried over the crowd participation for the event. ><> Technical challenges to relay live television signals from Antigua & Barbuda to television outlets in the United States are hampering the planned broadcast on WB11/WPIX of festivities on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Reports are that the WB telecast team, in conjunction with the local Ministry of Information and Cable and Wireless, have worked hard to overcome these technical difficulties. But the combination of inclement weather and the inability of the nearest relay station in Barbados to transmit a totally reliable broadcast-quality television picture have proven insurmountable. Tourism officials were also reported to have a video crew on hand, in collaboration with WB11/WPIX, to capture the colour and flavour of the J’ouvert celebrations on Monday and the Breakfast Beach Bash at Miller’s By the Sea on Tuesday. A celebrity team comprising of Antigua & Barbuda’s representative in the 2005 Miss World and Miss Universe pageants respectively Shermain Jeremy and actor and model Courtney Michael, are to host the broadcast. It was also expected that the taped edition would be used as a promotional tool for the country. ><> The “Grand Marshall” of the 2005 Antigua carnival, remains ticket less. ><> One of the living legends of Antigua carnival, Swallow, a “Hall of Famer”, said that he was not pleased with the way in which the CDC was treating him for the carnival season. ><> The police authorities said that they have to be continuous in their appeal to get persons to conform to other distracting expectations during the carnival festival. ><> The organisers of the 2005 Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show, have said that their efforts with changes have paid off. ><> The CDC has confirmed that the late start of the 2005 panorama championship was due to certain alterations to the carnival stage. ><> Fans and calypsonians alike, are gearing up for tonight’s main carnival event, the “Calypso Monarch Finals”. ><> The reigning calypso monarch Queen Ivena, remained jobless for the whole of carnival 2005. ><>

Saturday July 30, 2005: The Barbados contestant is the 2005 Jaycees Caribbean Queen. Princess Best was crowned early this morning at Carnival City. The show, which had a late start last evening, was plagued by the threat of intermittent showers, which was evident from the presence of a tropical wave that was passing through the islands. The organisers, who were adamant that the “the show must go on”, had to make alternative seating arrangements at the eleventh hour. The transfer of the reserved section from the front of the stage to the smaller Sydney Walling Stand had also forced the organisers to curtail the sale of tickets. Following Princess Best of Barbados, who won “Best Evening Wear” based on modelling skills, was Jenna Mari Andre of Trinidad & Tobago, who also won the “Best Swimwear” segment, Makela Williams of Antigua & Barbuda, placing 2^nd runner-up as well as the winner of the “Best Performing Talent” and Marsha Barnett of Jamaica in the 3^rd runner-up slot, who was adjudged the “Best Interview”. Other notable achievers in segments that were not points-related included Johan Kelly of St. Kitts & Nevis, for the “Most Photogenic”, while Dacia Blackmoore of Guyana won the “Most Congenial” title. ><> The activities of Antigua Carnival are likely to reach thousands of households in the New York City area early next week. Live feeds will be beamed via New York’s WB 11/WPIX Television. The exercise will begin on J’ overt morning, with a show entitled “Live From Market Street”. Reporter Julie Chang and her news crew will be in the country from this weekend to soak up some sun, partake in some beach activities and most importantly broadcast live from Market Street in St. John’s, on WB11 Early Morning Show on Carnival Monday and Tuesday between 5:00 am and 9:00 am. Against a backdrop of revellers, colourful costumes and steel pan music, viewers in North America will get a sneak peak behind the scenes of what goes into the production of what has always been described as “the Caribbean’s most colourful and festive Summer Festival”. The crew, which will be arriving today, will begin to film various aspects of the Carnival festivities to support their live broadcast. The film crew will also be visiting several mas camps, to learn more about the history of mas and the construction and fitting of carnival costumes. Host Julie Chang will be featured in her costume as well, custom designed for her, when she makes her debut in a troupe and hit the road for the Carnival Monday parade. Steel pan will also be a key feature of the broadcast and the host will receive a personal lesson from pannist Lacu Samuel, before she boards the trolley with Ebonites Steel Orchestra on the J’ Overt route. The live broadcast will also feature some of the many attractions and activities that are associated with the country’s tourism product. While on the beat, the host will be joined by a local beauty Shermain Jeremy, who recently won international acclaim to the title of “the most talented woman in the world”, along with the 2005 Queen of Carnival and contestants, in Dickenson Beach on the beach, to enjoy activities such as horseback riding, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkelling and a banana boat ride. On Carnival Tuesday the crew will broadcast from Miller’s by the Sea, where the show will begin by capturing live, a crisp Antiguan sunrise during the 5 a.m. segment. A festive breakfast beach party has also been planned, that will feature steel bands, cultural dancers, troupes and a local chef preparing fungee and salt fish. ><>

The Division of Prices and Consumer Affairs is urging all consumers, to observe a number of health and safety precautions, during the Carnival season. The department was also asking persons to be extra careful, while also making financial transactions. The department also stated, that eating out was part of the norm during celebrations, but it was important for consumers to purchase food and drink, in the most hygienic and less contaminated circumstances. The department has also cautioned persons to guard against the vulnerability to counterfeit notes. It also asks that they be more vigilant when dealing with such and that it was important to ensure that all of the security features were in the correct places on the notes. The security features as issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank are in the following:

A security thread - This should have the text reading – “ECCB” incorporated into the paper. This thread can be clearly seen through the paper, and will be more visible when held up to the light.

Serial numbers – each genuine note bears a different serial number, printed vertically on the left hand side and horizontally on the right hand side.

Remember that no two notes of the same denomination ever have the same serial number.

The Watermark of Queen Elizabeth 11- this special feature on any genuine Eastern Caribbean banknote, on the front left hand side should be clearly visible, when held up to the light.

Image of Several Fish---should be visible in the centre of the back of the note and printed with special ink, which glows.

The department was also extending best wishes to Consumers, along with a safe and healthy Carnival. ><>

Friday July 29, 2005: One of the contestants of the Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show, have added to her winning collection a few days ago. The Grenada representative Nicole Searles invaded Anguilla, by capturing the Miss Ecstasy title last Saturday in that territory. Searles, who was the second consecutive Grenadian to have won such a title, did so from a field of eleven regional contestants. That pageant had five categories including interview, swimwear, talent, future shock and evening wear. Tonight’s Jaycees encounter was reported to have consisted of five categories, but will also be fielding a dozen beauties. ><>

Thursday July 28, 2005: ><> The local Queen of Carnival Makela Williams get ready to take on the regional ladies. ><>

Wednesday July 26, 2005: The Queen of Carnival contest has been concluded. The event was held last night at Carnival City. While crowd attendance was encouraging, some minor and technical glitches had hampered some aspects of the show. To the extent that one of the contestants had to switch her appearing position from number 4 to number 6. At the conclusion 9f the night’s entertainment, the winning results were announced after 1am this morning. In the winners circle Mekela Williams was crowned the 2005 Queen of Carnival, followed by Kimmorna Otto and Arianne Whyte, in the first runner-up and second runner-up positions respectively. Other awards were in the following: Kimmorna Otto, winner of evening wear and swimwear segments, Cassandra Whyte, winner of the costume and costume design segments, as well as the People's Most Photogenic award. The Queen of Carnival Mekela Williams, picked up prizes for performing talent and evening wear segments. So too did Brooke Harris, who was adjudged Most Photogenic, as well as the person who had stayed true to their theme. Picking up a segment each were Arianne Whyte, winner of the interview segment and Nadia Edwards, winner of the congeniality award. (Click here for full carnival results Antigua 2005 Carnival Results) ><> The newly crowned Queen of carnival Makela Williams, have said that she was satisfied with her efforts last evening, which has landed her the tile. Williams, who made the comments shortly after winning the crown, said that everything went well for her and she was also pleased that she had done extremely well. She said that she was excited, happy and feeling great and was looking forward to Friday evening’s Jaycees encounter, with the same vigour of winning. The winner of the Antigua Queen of Carnival title has traditionally gone on to participate as the country’s representative in the Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show. ><> The first and second runner-ups in the Queen of Carnival contest, have said that they were glad that it was over. Kammorna Otto said that all of her hard work has paid off. Otto, who placed first runner-up, also said that she was feeling good. She said that she believed that her swimwear was a main attraction, which had caused a lot of persons to come out to see the show. She said that the light weight of her costume allowed her to manoeuvre well to the music of Burning Flames and while she was a bit uncomfortable in the evening wear segment, the positive reaction from the audience, caused her to gain back her confidence. Arianne Whyte on the other hand, said that she was a little bit disappointed. Whyte, who took the second runner-up slot, said that she came into the contest very confident, happy, calm and composed. She also confessed however, that she was still happy to be placed. ><> Carnival organisers believe that they have an electronic component that could assist judges in case of a tie result. ><> Ten young ladies from the Caribbean region arrived in the country yesterday. They are here to participate in the 2005 Jaycees Caribbean Quiuen Show. Their arrival have kept the organisrerts busy for the better part of the day. The contestants who have arrived so far are from Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Guyana, St. Maarten, St. Kitt’s & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago. The Santo Domingo contestant was expected to arrive some hours before the start of the pageant,which was due to be held on Friday evening at Carnival City. A Jaycees representative said that all of the contestants have won pageants in their home territories, goiving them the experience and the qualification to vie for the Jaycees crown. Although Miss Trinidad & Tobago representative was successful in an “Earth” pageant, she was lucky to have represented that country at the recently held Miss Universe contest in Bankok, Thailand. The St. Vincent & the Grenadines representative, who was successful at preliminary encounters in her homeland and subsequently placed first runner-up in that country’s local Carnival queen show, was reportedly deputising for the recently crowned 2005 winner, who were said to be serving at national duties. Antigua & Barbuda’s recently crowned 2005 local queen, have joined with the others preparing for the grand occasion. The reigning queen, who is also from Antigua & Barbuda, will be completing her reign, once another beauty takes the crown. The contestants are likely to make public and private appearances whjoile in Antigua. ><>

Tuesday July 26, 2005: The 2005 Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show (JCQS) contestants will be arriving in Antigua from today. They were expected to arrive from different parts of the Caribbean. To date 12 contestants are expected to take part in the contest slated for this Friday evening. The partial list of countries included Anguilla, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Guyana, St. Maarten, St. Kitt’s & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago. The Antigua & Barbuda contestant would not be known before tonight, where the local contest will be held. The pageant organisers have said that the contestants would be making a number of public and social appearances leading up to the contest. This year marks the 44^th year in which the Jaycees have been staging the pageant. ><>

Tuesday August 3, 2004: Carnival 2004 has been marred by several incidents including that of murder. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reported a very busy day. Among them were the killing during j ‘overt of a 17 year-old youth, who died on his way to the Holberton Hospital after receiving stab wounds at the hands of another youth. Another young man has been hospitalized after his foot has been ran over by the carriage that was transporting the Burning Flames band, a Cassada Gardens man was the victim of drowning at a church picnic at Galleon Beach and the partly decomposed corpse of a female believed to be that of the Dominican woman, who went missing on July 28^th, was found at a field near Claremont Pineapple Farms. The Commissioner of Police Elton Martin has called a press conference for tomorrow. Apart from a planned meeting with petrol dealers, also scheduled for the same day, Martin is also expected to address the growing concern of crime in the country. ><> The pleads of leniency by the friends and family of the woman that disappeared off of the streets of St. John’s in broad daylight last week has ended in tragedy. ><> The Police is treating as murder, the case of Cecelia Gilbert whose body was discovered by a farmer at a field in the Claremont Pineapple Farms area at Old Road. ><> The arrival of groups and troupes at Carnival City yesterday, has caused a delay in the judging process, now the situation has caused much concern for Carnival officials. ><> Queen Ivena is now preparing for her first competition outside of Antigua & Barbuda. ><> (More stories and updates to follow) ><>

Monday August 2, 2004: Queen Ivena retains Calypso Monarch title. Main rival Singing Althea slipped into second runner-up position. ><> Emotion filled Ivena cried this time around. ><> Children of government minister in bread shop brawl. Injuries sustained ><> Service station dealers said that they would make do until Wednesday meeting with Commissioner of Police. ><> Spencer promises lavish street parade for Independence. ><> Daniel lays blame on some members of the police force. ><> Queen Ivena readies herself for national duties. First competition overseas will be in four days time. ><> Massive j’overt session in progress. ><> Rijo-Charles saddened by departure of other countries ambassadors. ><> (More stories and updates to follow later today.) ><>

Friday July 30, 2004

Remarks by Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen 2004 Kirsy Rijo-Charles, at the Antigua Junior Chamber Awards and Banquet - July 31, 2004, at Jolly Beach Hotel

Feature Address by the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Honourable Baldwin Spencer, at the Antigua Junior Chamber Awards and Banquet Ceremony, at the Jolly Beach Hotel on Saturday July 31, 2004

Bio-Data/Profile of:

Correlle Ferlance

Delegate in the 2004 Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show

representing St Kitts & Nevis
Bio-Data/Profile of Correlle Ferlance

Address: Amory Drive, Sea View Garden, St Kitts

Educational & Civic Achievements:

- Passes in GCE English, CXC History, CXC Social Studies, CXC Principles of Business, CXC Typing, CXC Integrated Science, LCCI Typing

- Diploma in Business Studies from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, St. Kitts

Extra Curricular Activities:

- Secretary to the National Association of Secretaries & Administrative Professionals (Member since September 2001 - present date)

- Member of the NEMA District #3 Management Committee (April 2002 - present date)

- Assistant Coordinator for the Family Health International Youth HIV Prevention Program (August 2002 - present date)

- To pursue a degree in Business Administration then become a qualified Business Executive.

Dedicated, self-motivated, vivacious and not forgetting “just loves to laugh” are only some of the ways in which one can describe Correlle Ferlance, a delegate in this year’s Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show.

Currently employed at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as Secretary to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Correlle aspires to pursue studies in Business Administration.

From a tender age, because of her dynamism, she was encouraged to become involved in school based and community oriented ventures. Indeed throughout her high school years and even at the college level she participated in such undertakings with great enthusiasm.

Presently, she plays an active role in the Reign of Elegance Modeling Agency, the NEMA District 3 Management Committee, the Family Health International Youth HIV Prevention programme as well as the National Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals. What an honor it was for her when she won the prestigious award of ‘Secretary of the Year 2002/2003’.

Bringing to you warm greetings from the Spice Isle, is 25 year old Alejnadra John. Born under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, John stands at 5ft 5 inches and bears the vital statistics 33-27-34.

A receptionist at the La Luna Resort by profession John aspires to become a professional politician in the near future and continues her favourite past time of dancing.

As a result, she has been discovered by those with discerning taste, and contracted for modelling performances, both at home and abroad.

Recently, she was specially selected to model at an ambassador's reception, and at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Fashion Rhythm in collaboration with Caribbean Export Annual Gift & Craft Show.

Without a doubt this intelligent, brave and ambitious young lady is going to represent and market her beautiful island to the fullest.

Hobbies: Watching TV, reading, sleeping, meeting and corresponding with people, travelling and modelling

Career goal: To successfully manage my own business in computers specialising in graphic designs.

On the beautiful island of Montserrat where I was born, I work as an Accounts Assistant for the British firm Department for International Development (DFID).

In an effort to stimulate my career growth and make me more marketable in the working world,. I am pursuing a certificate in Public Administration at the University of the West Indies Distance Education Facility. Upon completion of my certificate I will continue my education at an overseas university where I will pursue my studies in Computers.

In 1999, I won the title of The New Millennium Talented Teen, and represented Monsterrat in the Leeward Islands Talented Teen Pageant in Anguilla in 2000. I am currently the reigning Miss Monsterrat Festival Queen (2003/2004).

Determined, charismatic, and energetic are just a few adjectives that describe this Crucian ambassador. My name is Rennisha Renisa Wickham and I am the reigning Miss St. Croix Festival Queen 2003-2004.

Throughout this essay I will give you insight into my life and explain to you how vying for the Miss St. Croix Festival Queen pageant has benefited me.

I was born on 3 Mar 1987 to Shermaine Miller on the island of St.Croix. Unlike other people, growing up in a single parent home has had a positive influence on me.

In fact, it has caused me to strive harder and to become a success in my school and personal life. It has provided me with the impetus necessary to remain focused and to accomplish my goals.

My intentions in school were simply to make my mother proud and to show her that her sacrifices were not made in vain.

From the beginning of elementary school I found myself compelled to work hard in school while learning and doming my best. I worked hard to achieve academic perfection and it was all it. On 15 June I was declared valedictorian of St. Croix Central High School's senior class.

St. Croix Central High school definitely presented itself to be of my most challenging experiences. Along