Bajan lass wins Miss Easterval crown

A teenager from Barbados managed to walk away with five of the six judged categories to secure the Miss Easterval crown for her country for the second consecutive year.

“I feel really amazing; it’s a really awesome experience and I am just at a loss for words,” Mariah Greenidge told reporters shortly{{more}} after she was crowned at the Ashton Hard Court, Union Island.

The new Easterval queen further stated that all the preparation, which included the “hard nights” and hard work, had finally paid off.

The 17-year-old Greenidge netted the prizes for Best Introduction, Best Swimwear and Best Evening Wear and tied with Miss Union Island Vernice Simon for Best Costume.

Greenidge also landed the best interview award for her answer to the question, “What experience do you have in pageantry and what do you expect to gain by competing in pageantry?”

Her response was, “My philosophy has taught me that even if you are afforded the best opportunity, your attitude determines your altitude. As a national dancer, I was accustomed to being victorious. However, after participating in previous pageants, I was taught how to face defeat; I had to re-evaluate myself and learn my strengths and my weaknesses, and turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones and return more focused, committed and dedicated. In pageantry I expect to reach my ultimate dream of becoming Miss Barbados Universe and representing my island nationally, because I believe life is a journey, not your destination.”

Greenidge told reporters after the show that it was her drive to succeed when asked ‘What is it about this show that had you going from the beginning until the end?’

“I have faced defeat many times before and I was just determined to win this title,” she added.

Greenidge revealed that all preparation for the pageant was done in Barbados and when she landed in St Vincent on Thursday, it had been more about relaxation and readying herself for the pageant.

She also disclosed that she was given tips from Miss Easterval 2015 Leashia Browne, who was also Miss Barbados.

“I was able to have hands-on interviews with her, asking her how she won basically and what she thinks that I can do to win this title,” Greenidge said.

During the competition, most of the other delegates struggled with the interview category. When asked why she thought she did better than her competitors during the interview, Greenidge replied, “I’m not sure. I just put my best forward. I assume everyone put their best foot forward, but I guess I became victorious.”

Greenidge studies Literatures in English, Sociology and Law at the Combermere Secondary School in Barbados and says she wants to become lawyer.

Makeba Roberts, Miss Grenada, was first runner-up, while Miss St Vincent Vernice Roberts captured the second runner-up position and won the talent segment with her calypso about older men having relations with underage females.

Miss Union Island Vernice Simon and Miss Trinidad and Tobago Justice Carrington won the Miss Congeniality and Most Photogenic awards respectively. Neither of these categories contributed to the contestants’ tally.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Union Island Easterval. Celebrations ran from March 20 to 28 and included nine days of non-stop activities, including cultural activities, food and drinks exhibition, the Miss Easterval and Miss Easterval teen pageant, sporting activities and the J’Ouvert and Monday night Mas. (AS)