Teen, 18, is Point Fortin's queen

MYA Bartholomew was crowned Miss Point Fortin during the borough's recent Borough Day celebrations. The upper six student of Holy Faith Convent, Penal, beat eight other contestants and also took the Miss Intelligence, Best Presentation, and Best Physique.

First runner up was Tenika Griffith and Akeenia Sinclair was the second runner up position.

Following her victory at the Point Fortin East Secondary School where the pageant was held the 18-year-old Bartholomew said, “I feel like I have accomplished the world by winning.” While it is an honour to represent Point Fortin, she said she feels like it is a calling to do more for the borough.

“Apart from the scenic beaches and the fact that we are the cleanest borough in TT, Point Fortin is such a vibrant and inviting place. It has a strong sense of community here,” Bartholomew boasted.

The beauty queen is studying the sciences and plans to pursue studies in medicine one day. "I always love the idea of taking care of people. Medicine is a field I have gotten to like because it is all about doing just that," she said.

When asked what advice she would give to younger girls who want to become beauty queens Bartholomew said, "First, one must work hard at getting a good education before attempting anything in life. Education is not just about being able to earn a living but also to ensure progress. I believe there is great power in knowledge.”

Among the people who have had an impact on her is jazz singer Vaughnette Bigford. “I admire her for remaining true to her home town and environs even though she is so successful."

Bartholomew also admires her past dance teacher Ardia Yearwood. “Although she died in 2016, she is the reason why I love dance and why I intend to always dance in my life.”

Pageant producer Denzil James expressed his satisfaction with the staging of this year’s show. “This pageant has grown to be one of the biggest shows in the southern borough.” Already, he is working out strategies for the Miss Point Fortin 2020.

“The moment the lights went on it was obvious that a spectacular show was ahead,” James said. Every visible seat was occupied, he said, with standing patrons flanking either sides of the auditorium.

Sky Academy Dance Group, opened the show to the music of this year’s Road March Famalay.

The show also featured entertainment by pianist Johanna Chuckaree performing her popular adaptation of Kes The Band's Savannah Grass and David Rudder’s Trini to D Bone. Singer Alexi Little serenaded the delegates.

A special award was given to long-standing Point Fortin fashion enthusiast Lynette Pennie who was reduced to tears when her award was presented.