‘Royal dream’ comes true for Miss SVG

by Eldonte Samuel

At a media event on Tuesday, September 17,2024, Zada Stephens expressed her desire to be crowned this year’s Miss SVG, saying it was a “royal dream”.
On Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the highly anticipated pageant, Stephens saw her dream come true.

A section of the satisfied crowd after Zada Stephens was announced Miss SVG 2024.

At Victoria Park on Saturday night, there was a burst of applause when the audience learned that Stephens, sponsored by the Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union (KCCU), had been crowned this year’s Miss SVG. This was the first year that KCCU was sponsoring the pageant.

Stephens, who won in the categories of cultural wear, talent, and interview, was emotional as she realised that her dream had indeed become reality. Her talent performance, aimed to show that plus-sized women can participate in, and win pageants, touched many, and she received a standing ovation from the audience. The applause was equally as tremendous in her response to the interview question about making use of Artificial Intelligence.

If Stephens is unable to fulfil her duties as Miss SVG, the first runner-up, Lisha Beache, will step into the limelight. Beache was sponsored by JCI St Vincent and was judged first place for having the Best Community Service Project. She also received the Deportment of Excellence Award.
JCI St Vincent became a sponsor of the pageant last year.

The second runner-up is Felicia Hector, sponsored by InstaCash. She appeared in a dress made of many shell pieces. While her talent received a mixed response from the audience, her message about the dangers of cigarette smoking was well-received. Hector was sponsored by the National Lotteries Authority under the InstaCash brand. The other contestants were: Alvina Pinder, sponsored by Grenadine House, who was judged best in the categories of swimwear, and evening wear.

She also received the Miss Congeniality title. Pinder’s highlight of the night was when the lights went off and part of her dress was illuminated. This was the second consecutive year that Grenadine House was sponsoring the Miss SVG Pageant.

Kewanna Hackshaw, sponsored by Lynch Caribbean Brokers, was judged Miss Community Spirited; and Athalia Gloster, Miss Flow, was judged Miss Photogenic. This year’s pageant was hosted by Kahlil Cato and social media influencer, Khadeen Ellis.