Bush Road:--- Despite the heavy and constant rain on Sunday evening supporters and organizers of the Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant persisted with the show so that the three young ladies who participated could have been rewarded. Organizer Nzinga Lake said that initially nine contestants signed up for the pageant but six of them dropped out due to the lack of funding and sponsorship. Lake said some of the girls were also not sufficiently encouraged. In the end, the three contestants that remained worked hard to make the first ever Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant a success, Lake said.The three contestants were Kiara Meyers, Shendrica Daal, and Shaniqua Jeffrey. The contestants were asked to display their talent and to research someone in St. Maarten's history. Shendrica Daal did extensive research on Madame Fleming who resides on the French side, Shaniqua Jeffry portrayed the late Alberic Richards who was a sportsman and politician while Kiara Meyers focused on the late Dr. Claude Wathey who first championed Independence for St. Maarten.
As for their careers, Shendrica wants to become a teacher, Shaniqua wants to be a doctor that will find a cure for all diseases especially breast cancer while Kiara wants to become a neurologist.
As for presentation and information, it was clear that Jeffry worked hard and she made a lasting impression on those that braved the rain, while Kiara was clearly the crowd's favorite.
The five judges were Minerva Dormoy from the French side Culture Department, Sherilda Hodge, Islet Moskhan, Lyzette Carty and Mickey Gee.The judges awarded Miss Amity to Shandrica Daal, while Miss Photogenic went to Shaniqua Jeffry, and Miss Popularity to Kiara Meyers. Best talent and best national hero went Shaniqua Jeffry, while best introduction went to Kiara Meyers. Meyers also won the prize for the most creative wear and best princess wear.
Kiara Meyers was also declared Little Miss St. Maarten Queen, Shaniqua Jeffry first runner up, and Shendrica Daal second runner up.
The results of the Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant shocked many that attended the show including Shaniqua who burst into tears when it was announced that she was awarded the first runner up.
The three contestants received a crown, a bouquet of flowers, trophies for each category they won and several other prizes. The Queen of the night walked away with a laptop, 2012 school fees, $100 worth of school supplies, and a round trip ticket.
Click here to see more photos of the Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant.
