The Carnival Queen Contestents are Listed Below
Miss Jamila Gregory
Miss CHAPA
2006 Queen of Carnival
Born on March 6th, 1982, Jamila Gregory started her secondary education at the Christ the King High School in September 1994. In high school, she exhibited exemplary leadership skills upon receiving the post of Deputy Head Girl and Vice-Captain of Green House in her graduating year of 1999.
Life at the Christ the King High School did not only foster academic achievements but also ignited her new found love for sports and the cultural arts. Jamila was a team member of Christ the King’s first ever soccer team. She was also a founding member of the C.K.H.S. Steel Orchestra. From there, she joined the Holy Family Cathedral Steel Orchestra and played with the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra every Carnival season up to the 2001 Panorama Competition.
Jamila continued her education at the Antigua State College, in the A-level department, studying Economics, Politics and Government, and Art & Design. This was her conveyor to Saint Mary’s University, where presently she is working on completing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Development Studies. She hopes this will help her become accredited in a field that will enable her to contribute to the development of Antigua and Barbuda and rest of the Caribbean region.
Her love for the visual arts saw her involvement for many Carnival seasons in two aspects of mas playing: as a costume builder and naturally, as a mas player with the Vitus Mas Group! Needless to say, Jamila simply loves Antigua ’s Carnival! Although a long time mas builder, she took her first stab at design with her own costume in the 2006 Queen of Carnival competition.
Jamila spent her reign promoting Antigua's Carnival at home and on tours in the US and UK. She hopes to use her new found notoriety to be an example for young girls. She says “I want girls to reject the narrow definition of beauty the world offers. You can’t find beauty in a store or in a bottle. We should all learn to be comfortable with the image we see in the mirror and embrace our inner beauty.”
Jamila thanks her sponsor, the Central Housing & Planning Authority, the Vitus Mas Group, her preparation team, her employer WSEX and all those who supported her prior to the competition and continue to do so throughout her reign.
JAMELIA EDWARDS
Gray’s Green Community
24 Year – old
Miss. Island Waves
“I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.”
Maya Angelou
I am Jamelia Edwards, and like Maya Angelou’s, Phenomenal Woman, I am a determined 24 year-old Caribbean woman stands firm in her beliefs.
I was born a premature blessing to Mclean and Ladymae Edwards of the Gray’s Green Community, on May 20, 1983. As the youngest of five girls, I was often pampered, but I was trained to be patient, respectful and ambitious. I am best known in my immediate and extended family for being creative both in the visual and performing arts.
My early education began at St. John’s Catholic Primary School where my talents for singing and poetry were recognized and nurtured. I was an enthusiastic member of the glee club and, in 1994, my love for poetry was rewarded when I won second prize in the Independence poetry competition.
In 1995, I was ushered into the Christ the King High School family, and I proudly thank my Alma Mata for helping to mould me into the positive, responsible and ethical person I am today.
As a student, I was very active in the arts, sports, academics and volunteer work. The peer support group, netball team and school choir are just a few of the activities in which I was involved. As a member of the choir, I was afforded a number of opportunities to showcase Antiguan talent both regionally and internationally, in Tortola, New Orleans and Chicago. One of my proudest moments came in 1998 when I was awarded winner of the vocalist segment of Sounds Excelsior, my school’s annual fine arts competition.
With pragmatism and discipline as two of my best qualities, I was elected Prefect in 1999-2000, Head Girl in 2000-2001, and, in 2001, graduated with the award for being most artistic through visual and fine arts.
My other accomplishments include being awarded a bronze medal in the Optimist Oratorical Competition and Most Congenial in the 1998 Hal Jackson Talented Teen Competition.
Pageantry has always appealed to me and, naturally, entering the Queen of Carnival Competition has been one of my personal goals. I consider this pageant to be not just a beauty pageant but also a means of showcasing my talent, intelligence and personality. My participation in the 50th anniversary celebrations is also of great significance to me, and I am extremely delighted to be contributing to such a milestone event.
My journey toward my future aspiration of becoming a civil engineer saw me attending the University of Camaguey in Cuba in 2003. After my third year, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was forced to return home. Nevertheless, in the very near future and with renewed determination, I intend to contribute to my country’s development by attaining my bachelor’s degree in my chosen field.
Presently, I am an immigration officer stationed at VC Bird International Airport. My job requires tremendous amounts of discipline and this falls directly in line with my character. In addition to discipline, another requisite skill for my job is the ability to be attentive, since missing a single piece of information could equal disaster. Needless to say, I am applying this principle in my training for this pageant.
Just as I was very active during my school life, I also take an avid interest in church and community activities. I’ve been involved with the Gray’s Green Community Committee, the Ambakile Dance group and the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra. I was also a member of the Holy Family Cathedral Youth Choir, youth group, and public speaking society. In addition, I’ve been a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Ambassador Committee, Antigua and Barbuda National Youth Choir, the Vocal Vibrations group and Insomnia Modeling group. In whatever spare time I can muster, I enjoy unwinding with a good novel.
I am determined to put my best foot forward in everything I do, and my participation in this pageant is no different. In addition to the mottos I’ve employed to govern my life, the motto of my Alma Mata will always be most prominent: “Excelsior: Higher Yet.”
Dwannia Lake
Scotts Hill
21 Year – old
Miss. Home & Office Depot
Born on September 18, 1985 to Cynthia and Patrick Lake, I am the second of four children. I grew up among an extended family that included aunts, uncles and cousins. The Gray’s Green Community is where I called home for most of my life, and it is also where my fondest childhood memories lie.
My primary school, St. Andrew’s, in addition to laying the foundation for a sound education, exposed me to theatre. I was an active member of the Drama Club, starring in many plays. It was an opportunity my parents welcomed for their reserved child.
I am also a past student of The Antigua Girls’ High School, where I merged academics and extracurricular activities – such as peer counseling, the school choir, basketball and Young Leaders – to help me become the well-rounded person that I am.
I passed seven subjects at the General Proficiency Level and was awarded the CXC Certificate of National Recognition.
The sciences are the subjects that sparked the most interest, and, as a student at the Advanced Level Department at Antigua State College, I concentrated, primarily, on Biology, Physics and Mathematics. I graduated after successfully completing the science and technology programme.
I will take the next step in my academic journey this September, as a student at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. This will put me on the path to becoming a cosmetic dermatologist, and to fulfilling another dream – that of creating a skincare line for people of colour.
I truly enjoy pageantry and being on stage, and, in 2005, I entered the Homecoming show. I was not selected as a finalist, but I gained invaluable experience and furthered my personal development in the process.
My fascination with pageantry has led me to be a contestant in this year’s Queen of Carnival Competition. As a child, I attended the Queen of Carnival pageants, knowing that someday I would be on the same stage, taking part in this exhibition of culture, beauty, talent and intelligence.
I am employed at First Domestic Industry and Commerce Insurance Company (FDICIC) as a receptionist/administrative assistant. In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, disc-jockeying, listening to music, reading, watching TV and writing.
I presently reside at Scott’s Hill with my parents and siblings. People who know me will use many adjectives to describe me – among them friendly, generous, humourous and intelligent.
Kerissa. P. Smith
Swetes Village
23 Year – old
Miss. C.H.A.P.A.
I have the heart of a lion with the gentle disposition of a lamb, and that should come as no surprise, since I was born under the celestial sign of Leo, on July 24, 1984.
My parents are Yvonne Henry and Fitzroy Smith. I was raised in the St Paul’s community in the beautiful village of Liberta with my five siblings. My family is a source of strength and encouragement for me. Their nurturing has brought me thus far, and all that I am I owe to their love and support.
I was crowned Ms St Paul's in 2006 and that helped to boost my self confidence. It also offered me an outlet for my creative side.
During my preparation for the Miss St. Paul's competition, I realized that I have the ability to capture people with my natural talent of acting. I used this talent to express my true feelings about life. On the night of the show, I shared my creativity with my community in the form of a dramatic presentation. This allowed me to overcome and conquer my fear of being in front of a large audience. Now here I am one year later, a delegate in this year's Queen of Carnival competition.
Currently, I am employed at the Carlisle Bay Resort as a Spa Receptionist. My favorite part of this job is meeting new people and solving problems.
I am enrolled at the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology, where I am presently working towards an Associate's Degree. I, however, have plans to change my major to Computer Science in the upcoming semester
After my studies at the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology, I hope to enroll in the University of the West Indies where I will further my studies in this field.
On the lighter side, I am an adventurous person. I love the outdoors; anything that affords me the opportunity to commune with nature is time well spent. My favorite outdoor activities are hiking, excursions and beach picnics. As noted earlier, I am passionate about acting and I have a great appreciation for music.
I have grown to realize that the pandemic that is HIV/AIDS is everyone's problem and that I could become, even if in a small way, part of the solution. Late last year, I joined the HIV/ADIS Network.
The network has a wide mandate that begins with being a support member, but education and counseling are a major part of its remit. The network structure is made up of people living with HIV/ AIDS and people who are not infected by the disease.
I am a part of an ongoing awareness campaign that seeks to encourage people to protect themselves from the disease, and works to eradicate the stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
In all that I do in life, I am constantly reminded that the Bible says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication and with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God, and the peace of God which paseth all understanding shall keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ". Philippians 4: 6-7.
This simply means that in all I do my God will see me through. This also helps me to remain focus on the positive things in life.
Delvanice E. M. Williams
Potter Village
18 Year – old
Miss. Cool & Smooth
Go-getter, if I had to choose one word to describe myself, that would be it.
I was barely 10 when, as a student at the Potters Primary School, I passed the Common Entrance Examination. This resulted in my attending the Clare Hall Secondary, where I continued to be an above average during my tenure.
At 15, I graduated with 10 CXC subjects, and went on to the Advanced Level Department at Antigua State College. There I concentrated on Science and Technology as well as the Social Sciences. I graduated in June 2006 after successfully completing eight A-Level subject units.
On the last day of my exams, I was successful in obtaining a job as a receptionist at the Coconut Beach Club. Less than two months later, I was promoted to assistant accountant.
My interests include listening to music, singing, spending time at the computer and being involved in group activities, with a string of involvement in several clubs and teams. These groups include: Junior Optimist Octagon International, CHSS Debating Team, St. Georges and Potters Netball Teams, The First Antigua and Barbuda National Cheerleaders.
I have also successfully participated in several shows such as: Optimist Petit 1999, Miss Netball Petite 2000, Miss Antigua Teen 2003, Miss Hanes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen 2003 and Mr. & Ms. Teen Splash 2004. This has helped to hone my talents.
I am also who I am today because of the love and support of my family. I am the second of four children – all girls. Though there are only girls in my immediate family, my loving male cousins within my close-knit, extended family seem like brothers to me. I am truly blessed to belong to a family as loving as mine. They all cheered me on as I decided to enter the Queen of Carnival competition since they believe in me and always motivate me to strive for excellence.
I decided to enter this competition because I believe any 50 year milestone is of special importance and I want to be a part of history. Being a delegate also offers me the opportunity to meet and relate to new people across age, race and gender divides. This, I know, will put me in good stead as I focus on my career goal of becoming an educator.
Monifa St. John
Browne’s Avenue
21 Year – old
Miss. Paradise Boat Sales
Elegant and alluring are two words that can be used to describe me, but there is far more to this stunning beauty than meets the eye.
I was educated at Christ the King High School where I exemplified the term “well-rounded.” Apart from excelling academically, I participated in track & field, enrolled in a dance school, modelled on the hotel circuit and found time to compete in a few pageants along the way.
I am 21 years old and an employee of the Stanford Trust Company Ltd., where I work as a Junior Associate. I juggle my demanding work responsibilities with active involvement in a host of community based activities and volunteer work. Additionally, I am still dancing and modeling on the hotel circuit.
My ultimate career goal is to become a dentist, but I am also perfecting my skills in computer science and the culinary arts.
Samantha Rebeca Thabata Chapman
John Hughes
21 Year – old
Miss. National Solid Waste
My name is Samantha Rebeca Thabata Chapman. (Yes, my mother was a huge fan of “Bewitched”). I was born on April 17, 1986 – a Thursday to be exact. I was screaming to the world to announce my arrival even before I had emerged fully, my mother reports.
At an early age, I began to express interest in books and the arts. I was enrolled at St. John's Lutheran Pre-school at the age of three. From there, I continued at St. John's Lutheran Primary School. I became a member of the school choir and the pan group.
I completed primary school in 1998, when I took the Common Entrance Examination and I was awarded a full scholarship to attend All Saints Secondary School.
In 1999 my mother and I entered the mother - daughter pageant, which we won convincingly. In 2001, I entered the Black and Beautiful pageant, an annual school event, and although I did win, finishing as the second runner-up, the experience that I gained was invaluable.
The following year, I entered in three debate competitions, and although I did not win any, I got honorable mentions.
I balanced my secondary school career as a Sundayschool teach and Vacation Bible School volunteer, because I have a passion for children. I revel in seeing their faces light up when they learn something new.
I graduated from secondary school with seven CXC subjects. I then entered the Commercial Department at the Antigua State College.
At the end of my first year, I was offered a scholarship to study economics in Cuba. So, that September, I packed my bags and moved to Cuba.
My first year in Cuba was spent learning Spanish at La Universidad de Ciego de Avila. I then continued at La Universidad de Camaguey, where I began to study for a degree in economics.
Over the years, I became enthused with cooking and that enthusiasm has turned into another passion. This is what propels me toward my career goal of becoming a hotel manager, in the first instance, and a restaurateur later.
When I am not cooking, teaching or studying, I can be found curled up with a book or any book, playing sports or hanging out with my girlfriends.
I believe that participating in the Queen of Carnival competition will give me the chance to expose who I am, where I am from and where I am going. And, God's willing, I will be able to expose the talents He has given to me and glorify Him to the best of my ability.
CHATRESSE A. C. CHALLENGER
Sutherlands Developments
18 Year – old
Miss. Kennedy's Club Ltd
I am Chatresse Challenger an 18 year old graduate of the Christ the King High School.
“Happy go lucky” can be used to describe my personality person. I enjoy life to the fullest. My life motto is “carpe dium” which is the Latin for; “seize the day”. Attending parties, clubbing and participating in Carnival are some of my more exciting and memorable moments. I consider myself a God fearing person who attends mass regularly at the Holy Family Cathedral, where I am a member of the Catholic Youth Group’s Public Speaking Society.
Another favourite past time of mine is singing. I was a member of the Christ the King School Choir. I am an avid sports enthusiast. I play volleyball, tennis and netball. Netball holds my greatest interest to the point where I have represented Antigua on the under thirteen(13), under sixteen (16) netball squads, and more recently, the under twenty three (23)netball squad at tournament hosted in St Kitts.
Presently, I am employed at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa as an Entertainment Co-ordinator. However, my lifelong dream is to become an Airline Pilot after I have attained this goal I would wish to further my studies in aeronautical engineering.
Tasheka Lavann
20 Year – old
Bolans Village
Miss. Prestige Homes
Rise above your indifference
Rise above your pain
Move beyond your memories of hatred, sorrows and shame
You are a child of the Lord
And by this!
You shall conquer every obstacle
These are the words that 21-year-old Tasheka Lavann lives by each and every day she is given a chance to breathe.
Being born into a family which lives for music, it comes with no surprise that Lavann is a talented singer whose gift has already given her an opportunity to participate in several pageants. From these, Lavann walked away with three titles to include Ms. Teenage 2002 and Ms. Leeward Islands Talented Teen 2004.
Lavann can be described as a beautiful, intelligent, friendly and caring human being who believes that love is what makes the world go around.
These are demonstrated often, whether it be at home with the family, traveling and meeting people, during a debate competition, a dramatic presentation, at work, church or at school.
Having worked in the field of Communications for the past five years, Lavann saw the need to take her career more seriously and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism at the University of the West Indies Mona, Jamaica. There, she continues to contribute to her passion by co-anchoring the nightly news on her hall.
Look Out! Tasheka Lavann is on the rise.
