A new Queen crowned!

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]as it the air conditioning? Or should we blame the cold shoulders among some in the audience on good old-fashioned rivalry? It seemed the capacity crowd comprised largely family members, relatives and friends of the contestants, all convinced their favourite alone deserved to be crowned 2018 Carnival Queen.

Tickets to the event staged last Saturday evening at the Royalton Resort in Cap Estate disappeared hours after they were put on sale. Long before the event got underway, every spot in the parking lot had been taken, every chair was occupied. Among the guests were Prime Minister Allen Chastanet accompanied by his wife Raquel. One thing everyone had in common: all were dressed to impress, befitting the plush surroundings.

The night’s MC was Solange, herself a former Queen. Also dressed for the spotlight, she kept her audience well entertained with her witicisms. But the real stars of the night were the nine beautiful Saint Lucian women, one of whom was destined to join the ranks of carnival royalty. By all accounts they had undergone several weeks of preparation, from walking like a pageant queen on heels that looked like mini stilts to conversing like a seasoned public speaker, never mind that thousands of eyes and ears were watching and listening, at home and abroad, thanks to the television coverage.

Announced during the night was Miss Photogenic which went to Tasha Fanis (Ms Crystal Clear). The People’s Choice award—tallied via social media votes—and Ms Congeniality, determined by the contestants themselves, went to Tember Cadette (Ms Bounty Rum).

Let it be said, it was a long night, at the end of which Best Costume went to Pauline Francis (Ms Massy Stores). She may have spooked a few while playing a La Jah Bless during her monologue performance but then that may very well be why she was also voted top scorer in the talent segment.

Earlyca Frederick (Ms FICS), in shimmery, blue straps and patches came away with the Best Swimwear trophy and also later won the award for Best Evening Wear.

Cathlina Lawrence (Ms Vybe Radio), took Best Interview for her tips on how to improve life in Saint Lucia. No doubt the prime minister paid special attention to all she had to say.

The crowd waited quite a while for the big results: Tasha Fanis was declared the fourth place winner, Pauline Francis third, and Cathlina Lawrence second. A popular decision, it proved, when Earlyca Frederick was officially crowned the 2018 National Carnival Queen. Overcome with emotion, the new Queen glided back and forth onstage, to wild audience applause and love, love, love from fellow contestants.