Miss Dominica is new Miss Carival

It’s been 13 years since the Commonwealth of Dominica last won the Miss Carival title, but on July 7 at the Victoria Park, Nakita Bruno seized the elusive title for her country with her captivating beauty, grace and intelligence.

The judges had no difficulty adjudging Bruno the Best Swimwear winner as her perfectly-fitted bright red swimsuit, showed off her beautiful curves and glowing skin.{{more}}

During the interview segment, which she also won, the 19-year-old passionately shared her optimistic vision of making the world a more peaceful place in which to live.

In answering her second question the unruffled Bruno pointed out that she loved to cook and enjoyed eating green bananas and codfish. She emphasied that while she enjoyed the taste tremendously, she felt better knowing that she was making a contribution to the development of the slumping banana industry when she ate the main crop.

In a back stage interview with Searchlight Newspaper after the pageant, Bruno who is also the reigning Miss Dominica, revealed that her fellow Dominicans would be very proud of her achievement and will most likely celebrate with a motorcade.

She stated, “Dominica first won back in the 80’s with Marcella La Rock and then in 1993 it was Francilia Agard and that was 13 years ago, so I am really proud to take the title back home. I am a very determined person who loves my country so I guess that is what helped me to win.”

Admitting that she has no plans yet for the prize money of US$4,000 Bruno remarked, “Ahh!… (laughs)… I haven’t even thought of that as yet. I like to socilaise and cherish spending time with family and friends, but for right now I want to enjoy Vincy mas, I am really excited. “

Bruno, who is also a Miss B-Mobile girl in Dominica, said that she entered the pageant not just to gain exposure, but to also build her experiences, self-confidence and vocabulary as a young woman. She pointed out that it is always her goal to make herself a more complete person and encouraged other young females to do the same.

First runner-up and taking the Best Evening Gown in her stunning blue flowing garment was Miss Trinidad and Tobago – Kesha Quash was also voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

Second runner up was Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sheridan Lewis who showed her versatility by turning an 80’s ballad into a reggae tune and the fourth spot went to Miss St. Lucia – Joy-Ann Biscette whose dynamic performance as school child victim of sexual abuse won her the Best Talent title.

The other contestants who represented their countries were: Miss Anguilla – Twyla Richardson who despite technical difficulties during her talent performance, playing Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry” on the saxophone, persevered like a trouper.

Miss Antigua and Barbuda – Mekela Williams who was awarded the Most Community- Spirited, showed her skill of playing pan and being able to play Kevin Little’s “Coming home for Carnival.”

Miss Bahamas – Tanisha Meadows also gave the audience a taste of the Bahamian Junkanoo culture; Miss Colombia – Ximena Flores Petty showcased the products of her country, while Miss Dominican Republic – Amanda Iris Nunez called on women to be strong despite adversity.

Miss Guyana – Renee Chester showcased her agility as a dancer while Miss St. Kitts and Nevis – Genelle Howell played on her skills as a steel panist, Miss Puerto Rico – Tatiana Ares was hot with her Latin dance moves.

Miss US Virgin Islands – Taiesa Annique Lashley sang her heart out with R&B singer Mary J Blige’s song of “I’m Going Down.” while Miss Venezuela – Angie Fontaines explained during her interview that getting a good education was a fundamental asset in life.