The six contestants for this year’s Miss Montserrat competition took to the stage this weekend to present themselves to the public for the first time.
Mauricia Barzey, Shanna Johnson, Carisa Brudy, Essalene Martin, Anna-Kay Turner and Dante Daniel will all be competing for the coveted crown later this year.
After being cancelled in 2022 and with no competition in 2023, the pageant will make its return for the first time in three years.
On 28 December, Nia St Claire, who was crowned Miss Montserrat 2021/22, will surrender her title to the winner of this year’s contest.
The accolade will go to the contestant who demonstrates the most poise, character, beauty and intelligence.
Poise and poses
Montserrat Arts Council hosted a glamorous ‘Red Carpet Affair’ on Saturday, 2 March, with cocktails and music at Montserrat Cultural Centre to introduce the contestants.
The six young women, dressed in sparkling evening gowns, walked down the centre’s stairs accompanied by live saxophone music where they stood for photos for the first time.
They and their chaperones then signed the contracts to signify their commitment to taking part in the show, before walking the stage and introducing themselves to the audience.
An interview segment followed, during which the contestants each used their charm and intelligence to answer a single question.
The contestants are:
Mauricia Barzey
Eighteen-year-old Mauricia Barzey from Lookout is a student at Montserrat Community College, and a member of both the Montserrat Youth Parliament and Interact Club.
She said she is working hard to achieve her dream goal of becoming a veterinarian.
“Being passionate about my roots, I enjoy exploring Montserrat’s scenic landscapes as well as indulging in my love for the performing arts and animals,” she said.
Barzey’s chaperone is former Miss Montserrat of 2018, Vanice Tuitt.
Shanna Johnson
Shanna Johnson, 21, an operations clerk at the Montserrat Social Security Fund, describes herself as “an embodiment of sophistication, compassion and outgoing charm”.
She said her passion extends to the restaurant a bar industry and is a part time waitress at the Scoreboard Bar and Grill.
She hopes to eventually become an entrepreneur in the field and added: “Experience with education is a force to reckon with”
Johnson’s chaperone is Rhannon Williams.
Carisa Brudy
Nineteen-year-old Carisa Brudy, originally from Dominica, is an education clerk in the Ministry of Education and a member of the Montserrat Rotaract Club.
She described herself as “gracious and confident” and an intellect who enjoys the quiet hobbies of reading and writing, as well as cooking for friends and family.
She hopes to use skills in accounting to progress in a career in the tourism industry.
Brudy’s chaperone is Penny Maloney.
Essalene Martin
Essalene Martin, 26, is a member of the Montserrat Defence Corps, plays the steel pan with Genesis Steel Orchestra and is pursuing her accountancy certification.
She described herself as “confident, intelligent, talented yet humble” and spoke fondly of her home, “the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” which she is glad to represent.
“I believe Montserrat is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and as a proud Montserratian I appreciate our culture,” she added.
Martin’s chaperone is Kathrina Daway.
Anna-Kay Turner
Twenty-one-year-old Anna-Kay Turner is a law enforcement officer with the ambition of becoming the first female police commissioner in Montserrat.
She described herself as the “epitome of beauty and class”, adding: “Elegance is not solely in appearance but in the way one carries herself with poise, humility and strength.”
Turner plans to pursue a degree in criminology and criminal justice, and is the assistant secretary of the Women in Policing Network.
Turner’s chaperone is Ethan Collins.
Dante Daniel
Dante Daniel, 19, is studying for A-Levels at Montserrat Community College and is a member of both her college debating society and the Montserrat Rotaract Club.
“Due to my love for art and design, in the future I hope to become an interior architect,” she said.
She also enjoys baking, reading poetry, and dancing with the Next Level Dancers.
Daniel’s chaperone is Jovita White.
‘A high standard’
Following the event, Jermaine Wade, interim cultural events coordinator with Montserrat Arts Council, spoke on ZJB Radio about preparations for the pageant in December.
He said there is a roadmap that has been laid out for them, which will include walking training, public speaking training, and more.
Wade said they may be taken to watch The Jaycees Queen Show in Antigua to give them motivation and allow them to see the calibre of competition.
“The intent is to ensure that the standard…here is of such a high standard that we are vying for the title of Miss Jaycees 2025,” he said.
He added that the committee is looking to see which other pageants within the region the winning Miss Montserrat can attend to represent the island.
“It’s really about putting our best foot forward, an all hands-on deck approach,” Wade said.
He added that six of the contestants have already attracted sponsorship. Other potential sponsors can contact Montserrat Arts Council, he said.
