[dropcap]A[/dropcap]lthough the National Carnival Queen Show is one of many events during the euphoric carnival season, it is the only night when some of Saint Lucia’s most beautiful, talented and charismatic young women come out and compete for a national title of representation. Unlike the many other parties and concerts, the Carnival Queen Show audience members come out dressed in their fanciest gowns, fit for a regal evening. After all, this is where the year’s Miss Saint Lucia will be chosen.
On July 1, 2017 at the National Cultural Centre, the contestant sponsored by Helen Television System/Radio 100 was deemed most competent and outstanding of the bunch, enough to be crowned Saint Lucia’s National Carnival Queen for 2017. Chancy Fontenelle also seized the prize for best talent by portraying not one, but three of her many talents. Chancy acted, sang and danced her heart away to victory on the national stage. Prior to the actual day of competition, Chancy had mentioned to the STAR that what she most looked forward to was performing. Now we can see why!
Her effervescent smile and sparkling personality masked any nervousness that Chancy might have felt. She was number two of the contestants, and brought her liveliness along with her for every segment during the pageant. She remained consistent and competed with grace as she made her imprint on the judges and the audience. After being crowned by last year’s carnival queen winner, Miss Tyler Theophane, Chancy didn’t forget to mention that she had many people to thank for her win: her mother who was at her side every step of the way, her chaperone, Pat Calderon, and her talent coordinator, Trevor King.
The National Carnival Queen Pageant is only the second pageant in which Chancy has participated. The first was Miss Queen of Gros Islet 2015 when she ranked
first runner-up. Since then this hard-working young lady has been in training for the National Carnival Queen Pageant. Her preparation involved daily stretching for her talent segment and she sought advice from experts, including seasoned pageant competitor Racquel John. She also noted multiple times that many wonderful friendships were created along the journey to the national stage and she cherished especially the bond she shared with Claire-Marissa Smartt. According to Chancy she couldn’t have achieved her favour with the public without her sponsor Helen Television Systems, Mrs. Janice Dupal and Mrs. Valerie Albert-Fevrier.
The first runner-up was Miss Massy Stores, Claire-Marissa Smartt, who had a phenomenal stage presence as well. She won the ‘best in swimwear’ segment and performed a heart-touching tribute to her late friends Zhané Williams and Zina Anthony who passed away in a tragic vehicular accident earlier this year. Claire-Marissa is one of the most memorable contestants for this year’s pageant.
Following close behind, as second runner-up was Lisa-Marie Faustin, Miss Vybz Radio, who dawned upon an unsuspecting audience with an exceptionally glamorous evening gown and an eloquent answer for her interview question. She claimed the awards for both those segments and also performed a humorous and entertaining monologue for her talent.
Miss Pierre Marcel, Jozel Cooper came in as third runner-up; she also won best costume and it was no surprise that she got Miss Congeniality. The beautiful Shannon Preville, Miss Piton, was awarded the esteemed Miss Photogenic title.
The purpose of the show was for these eight contestants to participate in friendly competition for the crown. However, other side performances made a lasting impression as well. Singer Michael Robinson, dancers from Silver Shadows Performing Arts Academy, and violinist Yannick James were just a few of the many talented local artists who made the show an entertaining success. Décor, stage production and overall execution were owed to the National Carnival Queen Pageant Committee and Events Saint Lucia. They put together an event that flowed well throughout the night until its end.
STAR Publishing Company would like to congratulate Miss HTS/Radio 100 Chancy Fontenelle on a well-deserved victory!
