The National Carnival Queen title has returned to the virgin parish of St. David this year.
Nineteen-year-old Amonai Francis, Ms. St. David impressed the judges to capture the coveted Miss Grenada 2023 title at the end of the national Carnival Queen competition on Sunday.
The last time the title went to St. David was when Tamyer Monroe, won the competition in 2017.
Francis also walked away with the titles of Best Swimwear, Best Costume, Best Interview, and Miss Photogenic.
“I feel overwhelmed…very elated. I am just feeling so many emotions at once, but I would definitely say the most profound is complete, and genuine joy from the bottom of my soul,” she told THE NEW TODAY.
Amonai walked away with the first-place prize of $10,000 and a scholarship to attend St. George’s University (SGU).
She is hoping to open a school of performing arts locally that focuses largely on Grenadian Culture.
She is looking forward to making a huge impact now that she has a “much larger platform to influence’.
“I start some work on my journey so far, and I really do hope to continue not just during my reign but as I continue on with life and as I get older,” she remarked.
The beauty Queen was crowned by the 2022 winner, Miss Reesa Mc Intosh, who described her 1-year reign as “life-changing,” despite the many trials and setbacks.
“I am excited to hand over my crown to the new girl this evening, and I hope that she can use the platform to push for her aspects and agenda and hopefully she can see the change that she wants to see in Grenada during her reign,” said Mc Intosh who spoke with THE NEW TODAY before making her final walk on the big stage.
Citing improvements in some areas of the pageant this year, she expressed “hope that the pageant can get better and better” each year.
The 1st runner-up went to Anika John – Miss St. Andrew who will be rewarded with a $6, 000.00 prize.
John, who also won the award for best talent described the journey as a spectacular one, and encouraged young people to “work hard, keep going, stay motivated and in everything…put God first.”
Shaquera Taylor, Miss St John was the 2nd runner-up and the winner of a $5, 000.00 prize.
Her evening gown, which was designed by well-known designer Kirk Seethal also captured the title of Best Evening Wear.
She said competing in this year’s pageant was a “learning experience” for her and spoke of plans to continue representing her parish to the best of her ability.
The Miss Congeniality Award went to Aingel Augustine – Miss St. Mark.
Scores of supporters and well-wishers flocked the National Cricket Stadium on Sunday for the highly anticipated Spicemas Corporation-organised Queen Show, which started at 8 p.m. and went well into Monday morning.
As Spicemas draws closer to a climax other events on the calendar include the Calypso finals, which was expected to take place on Thursday, followed by the Soca/Groovy Monarch final at the National Stadium on August 11, Panorama on August 12th, Jouvert pageant and Monday night mas on August 14 and the Parade of the Bands last lap on August 15th.