Saint Lucia’s cultural calendar has officially commenced its countdown with the unveiling of nine distinguished contestants selected for the 72nd National Carnival Queen Pageant. The Carnival Planning and Management Committee, in collaboration with the National Carnival Queen Pageant Committee, revealed the finalists following rigorous auditions held at the National Cultural Centre on March 8.
The selected delegates represent diverse communities across the island: Eudoxia Poleon (Desruisseaux, Micoud), Sydney James (Ciceron, Castries), Faith Edward (Ciceron, Castries), Nyaley Lewis (Dennery), Shernette Rameau (Aux Leon, Mabouya Valley), Darlene Francis (La Clery, Castries), Adel Montoute (Gros Islet), Derrelle DuBois (Grand Riviere, Gros Islet), and Simone Sonson (Gros Islet).
These contestants will embark on an extensive preparatory journey featuring numerous ceremonial engagements, commencing with the traditional sashing ceremony where they will formally meet their sponsors. The pageant’s grand finale is scheduled for July 4 at the Pavilion in Rodney Bay, serving as a centerpiece event within the broader Lucian Carnival celebrations.
The competition will see these nine women vying to succeed the reigning titleholder, Emerle Tisson, who was crowned under the banner of Miss Bank of Saint Lucia. This event continues its seven-decade tradition of celebrating Saint Lucian culture, feminine excellence, and community representation through its prestigious platform.