MISS SVG HOPEFULS READY!

Following the announcement of the eight Miss SVG contestants on March 5, the bevy of beauties had their first exposure to the media on Saturday, March 23, at the the Young Island Resort.{{more}}

With the opportunity to unwind a bit, have their photographs taken, frolic in the sand and entertain questions from the media, the contestants: Shannon Bess, Miss LIME; Anne Therese Chambers, Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse; Maressa Endeavour, Miss SVG Port Authority; Shara George, Miss Mustique Co. Ltd; Chenead Hackshaw, Miss Super 6; Hannah Hamilton, Miss Lotto; Anna LaBorde, Miss Metrocint General Insurance Ltd; and Brooke Legair, Miss Coreas Hazells, made one thing clear – Vincentians will be in for a treat come showtime June 1, at the Victoria Park.

At the event, the sponsors of the contestants were also on hand to sash the girls.

While most of the contestants admitted that preparation leading up to the show has been “hectic”, they have all embraced the challenge.

Contestant Hannah Hamilton, a resident of Dorsetshire Hill, said that with the top prize of an $80,000 university scholarship up for grabs, she would like to pursue studies in the field of Family and Consumer education.

A Home Economics teacher at the Kingstown Technical Institute, the former Bishop’s College Kingstown student said that she plans to put her “best foot forward” for the show that she has had a passion for since she was a child.

For Maressa Endeavour, she sees her participation in the show as a source of self-development and growth.

With a huge smile, the Glen resident and future psychologist is promising to wow patrons at Carnival City, Victoria Park. “Patrons can expect to be highly entertained and I will endeavour to do my best…,” she chuckled.

In the case of Shannon Bess, she said she signed up for the show as a means of developing herself.

“I am a naturally shy and soft-spoken person who wants to improve on my public speaking and inter-personal skills and gain greater self-confidence,” the Old Montrose beauty told reporters.

In Anne Therese Chambers’ case, she said she initially entered the pageant for the scholarship, but noted that she has come to the realisation that it is all about a process of self-development.

Eyeing a career in the field of cosmetology or dermatology, Chambers said she has always been passionate about entering these career fields because she always want people to look their best, which she also said helps to boost one’s self-esteem.

Contestant Brooke Legair says the scholarship was the biggest influence on her entering the prestigious beauty pageant; the Richmond Hill resident said she is excited about the opportunity to develop herself.

“I am assuring Vincentians a package filled with talent, creativity and simply nothing but the best, as I take the stage and show Vincentians what I have been tirelessly working on over the past months,” Legair said.

Hailing all the way from the community of Spring Village, Chenead Hackshaw has ample reasons to be proud. She is the first person from that community to enter the national pageant.

The bubbly beauty said she would like to see more young people from her community participate in events at the national level.

Hopewell resident Anna Laborde said besides the financial assistance she hopes to gain to pursue her educational goals, she entered the pageant because she sees it as a stepping stone towards her modelling career.

Cane Garden resident Shara George has always had a “deep-seated” love for her country and believes that one of the greatest honours one can receive is being an ambassador for their country.

“That is my motivation for entering the show. The scholarship is a perk, but I want to be an ambassador,” George proudly said.

The girls began training for the show back in August 2012 and have been going full force since that time.

Head of the Beauty Shows Committee Cheryl Rodriguez said after Miss SVG 2012, she asked the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) if the contestants for the show could be launched at an earlier date, since their training began since last year.

“It was agreed. We started the training in August, took a break in December and started again in January where the final eight were selected,” Rodriguez told reporters.

The contestants were officially introduced to the public on March 5.

The contestants have been undergoing training in talent, stage presentation, choreography, interviews and personal development.

Rodriguez urged the public to support the contestants wherever they go.

“They are our girls. We have to encourage and support them, instead of saying bad things about them. If you offer criticism, let it be something positive that can help them. They all need our guidance,” Rodriguez beseeched.