Greiggs teacher seeks support to compete at international pageant

Early childhood educator and creative, Kishan Rodney, is hoping to bring the crown home to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), when she competes in the 8th Annual Miss International Elegant Mothers Pageant later this year.

The pageant, being held in St Maarten on September 13, 2025 is an initiative of David A Williams, that’s aimed at providing single mothers with a platform where they can be uplifted and empowered. The objective of this event is to embrace, recognize and empower mothers around the globe, through pageantry and uplift them for their strength and humanitarian gift of giving birth and life.

Participants compete across a number of categories including African Wear, Traditional Cultural Wear, Talent Segment, and Elegant Evening Wear.

Rodney is mother to an 18-year-old student of the SVG Community College, Phillando Cumberbatch whom she raised as a single parent while overcoming tremendous financial, emotional, and mental challenges.

To participate in the pageant, Rodney requires financial assistance to cover travel, appearances, as well as preparation expenses as she goes head-to-head with delegates from Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, USA, British Virgin Islands and St Maarten.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, Rodney said her goal is to “bring the crown back to my country” and create visibility for other potential mothers.

“My aim will be to promote my country as well, and also to open up the door for other mothers to participate in this pageant as well.”

The pageant offers the opportunity for the public to vote on the contestant with the Best Country Promo Video. Rodney’s two-minute and 40-second video was shot in the Botanic Gardens and features highlights of her work in community advocacy in the village of Greiggs.

She described her journey as a single mother as a “difficult time” as she had to deal with a lack of financial support and absenteeism from the other parent.

Despite the challenges, Rodney noted that there were high points over the year.

“The most rewarding part was my resilience to rise above all these challenges to be a pillar of hope for my son. To instil the love and good morals into my son into becoming a well rounded individual in society.”

Rodney praised the pageant and the organizing committee for providing an avenue to let the world know that single mothers are “powerful, capable, and deserving of every spotlight”.

Persons wishing to assist Rodney in her pageant journey can donate to:

Kishan Rodney at BOSVG; Savings A/c: 6104021.

Kishan Rodney aims to represent SVG in the 8th Annual Miss International Elegant Mothers Pageant