Despite a fall, Shannakisha Francis rose to the top of the Queen of Carnival competition and has now set her sights on the Jaycees Queen crown
On Friday night she won four of seven segments, dominating in Public Speaking, Talent, Interview, and Swimsuit.
Francis, who fell during the Evening Wear segment, says changes will be made ahead of the July 31 Jaycees competition.
“I think I will just enhance my package,” she said. “I know I will have to work on my evening wear dress.”
The Queen of Carnival believes Friday night’s competition was “trial and error”, allowing her the opportunity to identify her “weak areas” ahead of the Jaycees competition in a bid to “bring the crown home.”
Several other competitors had minor slips during the competition after intermittent rains made the stage slippery.
Francis, a clear crowd favourite, told OBSERVER media she is happy her hard work paid off.
“I am ecstatic. After putting in so much work for the past five months, you really reap what you sow,” a teary-eyed Francis explained.
She also attributed her win to her “strong” support system, which she said included individuals who consistently encouraged her during her preparations.
During the competition, Francis paid several tributes to her mother, Susanne Shaw, which resonated with the audience.
The competition’s second runner up was Rudelle Morrison, who won the Costume segment and the Cultural Wear segment.
The third runner up was Maurisa Carbon who took home the top prize for the evening wear segment.
Friday night’s competition marked a return of the Queen of Carnival Pageant which had been absent from the Carnival line up for several years.
