Mayreau lass wears Miss SVG crown

by Sheron Garraway

Casynella Abygail Ollivierre, at a loss for words, was moved to tears when she was announced Miss SVG 2005 Saturday.

The nineteen-year old law student of the St.Vincent Community College, appearing as Miss Lotto, thrilled the audience with her talent performance; a combination of pan playing, singing and modern dance moves. {{more}}

Dressed in a stunning light blue evening gown, the usually articulate Casynella misread the question on her impressions of the recently held Fishermen’s Day activities during the interview segment. She responded that she had been unable to attend the function because she had law exams the very same day. That evidently was not enough to diminish her grasp of the tiara.

But when questioned about most memorable experience as a contestant, she confidently answered “everything” as she pointed out to a recent relaxing moment where the contestants were pampered on Mustique, a week before the show.

Following her crowning, the Mayreau native and newest member of local royalty said: “I was moved and so lost for words. I was honestly expecting La Keisha to win after her talent, but I know that I did my best.”

Casynella when asked about plans for her immediate future said: “My goal now is to just say thanks. Thanks to all the people who supported me and for all their positiveness. After that I would just be giving back to the public, it’s just so important to give back.”

The beauty also captured the judges’ nod for Most Community Spirited Contestant and Best Evening Gown (where she also tied with Shanika Findlay-Miss Caribbean Imaging Centre- first runner up). Shanika also netted the Best Swimwear Category with her 32-28-34 figure.

Second runner-up was the aspiring actress, La Keisha Williams Miss National Insurance Services, who also won the Best Talent section. She wooed the crowd by rolling onstage on a tri-cycle and making fun of the show by admitting that she was unable to sing and do the other performances that people associated with talent. Wrapping up her performance, Williams simulated a DJ, complete with headphones and turn tables, where she proceeded to release several popular tunes in rapid-fire succession that sent the audience wild. The dramatist also won the title of Miss Photogenic.

Third runner up was Miss Bailey’s Irish Cream- Cassian King.

The other contestants in the pageant were Miss Mustique Company Ltd- Richenda Deane, Miss Mount Gay Rum-Miss Rafika Samuel, Miss Vincentian Newspaper-Dorcel John who was also Miss Congeniality, Nelisa Rodriquez-Miss Franco Construction and Miss Danielle France-Miss Super Six who got Best Interview. Danielle France was never short of words when she explained that Tsunamis were an act of nature that although catastrophic, brought people together in the end to support those affected. She also spoke of her goal in the second part of the interview to become a child psychologist to help children in the early stages of their life before they grow into adulthood and become damaged by traumas they experience in youth.

Casynella Ollivierre receives $8,000 and a university scholarship, while the first runner up Shanika Findlay gets $5,000. Second runner up, La Kiesha Williams takes home $3,000 for her efforts, while Cassian King $2,000.