Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage took center stage as Cassius Constantine and Abigail Lesfloris were crowned Misyé èk Manmzèl Kwéyòl (Mister and Miss Creole) in the revitalized Sandals Grande Saint Lucian pageant. The prestigious competition marked its triumphant return following a pandemic-induced hiatus, celebrating Creole culture through employee engagement and performance excellence.
Constantine, who also holds the 2024 Mr Caribbean Island Continental title, described his unexpected victory as an electrifying experience. “My primary intention was simply to enjoy the moment, which I certainly did. However, the overwhelming crowd response and ultimately winning the title created an absolutely phenomenal experience,” the newly crowned Mr Kwéyòl recounted.
For Lesfloris, the victory carried particular significance given the exceptional caliber of competition. She admitted: “I entered with confidence in my talent presentation, but witnessing the extraordinary performances from fellow contestants made me genuinely apprehensive. Hearing my name announced as winner amidst such tremendous talent was profoundly moving.”
The pageant represented the culmination of a comprehensive cultural initiative launched by the resort during last year’s fourth quarter. This program integrated Saint Lucian Creole traditions into corporate activities through specialized committees, educational seminars, and cultural workshops, significantly enhancing staff participation and cultural awareness.
General Manager Della John emphasized the event’s broader impact: “The competition generated remarkable energy throughout our resort. Most impressively, our team delivered these outstanding performances while maintaining their regular professional responsibilities, demonstrating incredible dedication and talent.”
Nine resort employees competed for the titles, including finalists Gania Alladhua, Kayde Altenor, Albert Charlemagne, Eva Alfred, Chelsea Joseph, Jasmine Nelson, and Roche St Cyr. The event successfully blended cultural preservation with corporate engagement, showcasing Creole heritage through modern hospitality traditions.