By Lesroy W. Williams

Observer Reporter

(Basseterre, St. Kitts)—They were all queens in their own right; but only one would wear the Silver Jubilee Independence Crown.

On September 18 at Warner Park, Venetta Zakers walked away with the coveted title of Miss Silver Jubilee Independence from among five other contestants.

Zakers, 23, from the village of St. Paul’s, graced the stage with beauty and charm, and carried the stage name, Miss Unity.

“I am thrilled. It was a great opportunity to participate in this momentous event,” Miss Zakers said. “It was a wonderful experience to have participated with the other contestants.

The other five contestants were Miss Patriotism, Cindy Liburd, from Church Ground, Nevis; Miss Serenity, Sheona Mills, from Basseterre; Miss Diversity, Kimani Phillip, from Half Way Tree; Miss Eco-Friendly, Felicia Silcott, from Key’s Village; and Janetta Shoy, Miss Hospitality, from Sandy Point.

The Silver Jubilee Independence queens appeared in six segments, namely, Introduction, Red Sail Sports Swimsuit, Onyx Silver Fusion, Motivational Speech, Belle of the Ball Evening Wear and the Jubilation Costume.

In their motivational speech, the six contestants spoke on the Independence theme of “Pride, Development, Progress: Independence, 25 Years of Progress”.

The show was of a very high standard and keenly contested. Fireworks illuminated the sky at midnight ushering in the 25th Anniversary of Independence on September 19.

A packed side show included performances from the National Youth Drum Corps, the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College Dancers, Yannick Mills and clown dancers.

As the curtains came down on the show, the girls made their final appearance and waited with for the results from the judges.

Cindy Liburd, Miss Patriotism, from Nevis, won the first-runner up place with 3.85 points. She also won the Miss Amity trophy; and Sheona Mills, Miss Serenity was second-runner up with 3.74 points and won the Jubilation Costume Wear and Belle of the Ball Wear trophies.

Three bonus points went to Miss Patriotism, Miss Diversity and Miss Unity for early arrival.

Venetta Zakers, Miss Unity won four of the categories which were Miss Photogenic, Miss Red Sail Sports Swimwear, Miss Onyx Silver Fusion Creative Wear and Miss Motivational Speech.

It was clear that Zakers had won convincingly with a score of 4.65 points.

Prime Minister Denzil Douglas placed the diamond crown on Miss Zakers’ head. She now looks forward to her reign and the many opportunities that will be come her way.

Miss Zakers received a diamond necklace and a pair of diamond earrings from Lexy Brooks of VIP Connected.

“I would like to thank in a special way Gloria Esdaille, Saros Hendrickson, Prudence and Teshary Liburd,” Miss Zakers said.