Vincy support uplifts runner-up in regional pageant

With her beauty and poise displayed at a regional pageant held on July 31, Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not only able to capture the hearts and minds of her supporters but also the second runner up position in the prestigious competition.

The talented Shadyn Mclean, who placed first runner up in the Miss SVG pageant in 2022 once again proved that she has what it takes to represent her people.

The 27-year-old recently participated in the 60th edition of the Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show hosted in Antigua and Barbuda as part of that nation’s annual Carnival celebrations.

While she did not capture any of the judged categories, at the end of the four hour long show, McLean emerged as 2nd runner up in the competition.

During an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, Mclean said that preparations for the pageant were ‘very hectic’, as being a nursing student, she had to balance school with her training. She added that during the last week before she left for the show, she had to work some 12 hour shifts followed by training. She said while this was “very taxing” she still “made it work.”

Mclean is of the opinion that the confidence she gained from entering the Miss SVG pageant served to boost her confidence to perform on a regional stage. Thus, it was not an intimidating experience even though she described it as “nerve wracking” at times.

On the night of the show, Mclean said she was “super exhausted”, but her strong point was in the swim wear category as she was looking forward to it because she knew that the segment would, “wake me up and give me the motivation to continue throughout the show”.

For her talent, Mclean took the stage as a disc Jokey( DJ.)

She told SEARCHLIGHT that she and her team did not want to go back to a DJ set, as she did in the Miss SVG pageant since they did not know how the judges and the crowd would receive her talent. However, after hearing reviews from Antiguans and learning that they love music, she tried her best to do something different for her talent.

Mclean also said that she is super appreciative of the overwhelming support she received from Vincentians,

“ I would often say, me entering Jaycees would not have happened if it was not for the overwhelming support that I receive.”

The thankful delegate further said that her performance on show night was not only a win for herself, but for the entire country.

Mclean who acknowledged being emotional because of the support received highlighted that the confidence which persons had in her helped to push her throughout the night.

She now feels relieved returning to SVG and having left an impact in Antigua and Barbuda and this, she said, makes her feel content. She added that though supporters wanted her to win, or place higher, “The fact that I left an impact was enough for me because it shows that as Vincentians we have potential in ourselves…”

First runner up in the pageant was Miss Dominica, Adicia Burton, who also did not capture any of the judged categories.

Miss Antigua and Barbuda, Ischikelle Corbin captured the crown and also walked away with all of the judged categories and the title of miss congeniality.

Awards for non-judged categories went to Miss Saint Lucia, Shanice Butcher, who was adjudged Miss photogenic and Most True to Theme.