Antigua's 28th Independence

This year’s homecoming queen show was a welcome reduction in time and sideshows, but the talent lived up to the expectations of prior years. In fact, some believe the quality of the performances of the delegates surpassed those of previous shows.

The East Zone delegate Nikki Phillip broke down in tears when it was announced she’d edged her way to the title, above her four competitors, in the two-hour event. Phillip, the newly crowned queen, said she was happy to be part of the nation’s Independence programme, not only because she won the crown in her first attempt in a pageant, but because she has learned a lot about the country from her own research and those done by the other delegates.

Meanwhile, Terry-Anne Pryce from the South Zone was adjudged 1st runner-up while 2nd and 3rd runners-up went to Barbuda’s Calsey Beazer and North Zone’s Nykarra Powell respectively.

West Zone’s contestant Shian Henry placed as the fourth runner-up. Performing under the theme “Antigua, Barbuda One Family Reviving our National Pride”, the contestants graced the stage of the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre Saturday night in five segments that included national dress, talent, interview, research and swimwear.

The queen was an early favourite, beginning with her question and answer responses.