Miss Flow wins 2016 Miss SVG crown

Miss Flow Nikianna Williams is living her dream since being crowned Miss SVG 2016.

Last Saturday night at Carnival City, Victoria Park, she got the judges’ nod ahead of seven others, in what can be described as the most competitive Miss St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) competition in years.

Williams, who seemed to be the crowd favourite from the start of the show, walked away with three of the judged categories, in addition to the overall title. She won the Best Swimwear, Best Interview and Best Evening Wear awards.{{more}}

During the interview segment, 22-year-old Williams was asked: “In your biography, you mentioned your fascination with Nelson Mandela. Which of his qualities impacted you most and why?”

Her response was: “One of the things that Nelson Mandela said was ‘courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who is not afraid, but he who conquers that fear’. I believe that Nelson Mandela exemplified courage during his lifetime. He fought for the right and freedom of Blacks in South Africa, against the system of apartheid and I must say that he is a courageous man, and this is definitely the quality that I love, and I admire in Nelson Mandela, as I stand here tonight courageously.”

For the second question she was asked: “In your opinion what are some of the contributing factors towards gun violence and why?”

Williams responded: “I must say that I do not believe that anyone was born violent. Therefore I believe that parents should take on the responsibility of educating our children on the negative impact of becoming involved in violent activities. I believe that this is the main reason, if parents do not take the time out to educate their children, then they would be partaking in violent activities. In addition to this, I believe that the increase in unemployment is another contributing factor. I believe that once our children or our young persons are not employed and they find things to do, such as getting involved in gangs and I must say that I take this opportunity also to call out to those who are involved in gun violence. I must say that you do not gain anything from doing such and this is not only impacting you, it is impacting St Vincent and the Grenadines in a negative light.”

Her winning evening gown was called ‘Dawn of a New Day’ and was a tribute to breast cancer survivors and persons who have passed away from the disease. It was designed and made by Kimon Baptiste-St Rose, making it the 8th consecutive year that the designer has won the best evening wear category.

Miss Jergens Jeanetta Richards was first runner-up, while Miss St Vincent Electricity Services Ltd Anya Frederick was second runner-up. Frederick was adjudged Most Photogenic and Miss Congeniality.

The Best Talent award was won by Miss National Lotteries Authority Zenna Lewis, whose performance left patrons of the show huddled over in ‘belly hurting’ laughter. Lewis, who came on the stage dressed as the devil, performed a monologue, which touched on controversial topics currently trending in St Vincent and the Grenadines, such as skin bleaching and the recent General Elections.

Her closing line, which was: “Tell the Prime Minister if he ain’t fulfil he elections promises, I coming back for him,” caused the crowd to explode in laughter and cheers.

The newly crowned Miss SVG, speaking to the media after the crowning, said that she feels as if she is living a dream.

“I am excited, but at the same time, I feel like I am living a dream…. I must say thank you to everyone who has helped me. I am still in shock. I am still in shock.”

She stated that in her opinion, her biggest competition leading up the show was Miss Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Shanique Alexander. Williams, however, stated that she had worked extremely hard in the months leading up to the show and expected to walk away with the crown.

“I have worked extremely hard; I had to diet, I had to exercise…and…I have so many cuts and bruises because of my talent training, but it all paid off and tonight I came out triumphant and I am very, very happy and proud of myself,” an elated Williams said.

She added that one of the most difficult parts of her training was dieting, but on the night of the show, her talent proved to be the most hectic part of the night.

Her talent was a dance routine, which she says depicted how racism still exists in our society.

“I wanted to cry, because it’s something that breaks my heart. I chose to do a piece on this because I studied history and I have seen how we have not so much so evolved, even though we think that slavery is extinct or racism isn’t still in existence.”

The newly crowned Miss SVG 2016 disclosed that she intends to pursue studies in psychology, as she wishes to become a child psychologist. For wining the Miss SVG 2016 pageant, she was awarded a university scholarship, valued at EC$80,000 and the opportunity to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines in the regional Miss Carival Pageant, which will be held on Friday, July 1.

She is the daughter of Roxanne Arlene Williams and Timothy Jr Percy Simmons. She grew up in the rural village of Diamonds and attended the Diamonds Government School and the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua.

The other contestants in last Saturday’s competition were: Miss Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines Shanique Alexander; Miss Metrocint General Insurance Dahvana Providence; Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse Vakeesha John and Miss Play 4 Raneasha Loraine. (CM)