Tobago duo top 5 in La Reine Rive

KINNESHA GEORGE-HARRY

Two Tobagonians finished in the top five on Saturday at the 2019 Miss La Reine Rive queen competition, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa), Port of Spain.

The event was part of the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition.

Tobago Drama Guild’s Kadisha Kent was the runner-up and compatriot Kelsie Robley, representing Sisters in Culture, took fifth place.

Speaking with Newsday on Monday, Kent said capturing first runner-up in the competition was historic for her.

“I stand as a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for young women within my community, and by extension Trinidad and Tobago. As a cultural practitioner, this exposure has equipped me with excellent oratorical, interpersonal and networking skills which will propel me to become an educator,” she said, adding that the ability to harness her talent as a monologist on a national stage motivated her to participate.

“Additionally, the opportunity to build greater levels of self-confidence and improve my theatrical and play writing skills were key factors which attracted me to the Prime Minister's Best Village Programme.

“The competition continues to encourage a sense of national pride, community spirit and retention of our cultural heritage. As a proud representative of the Tobago Drama Guild, our vision is geared towards the holistic growth and advancement of youth, using theatre arts as the main vehicle for social and cultural development.”

Apart from being a cultural enthusiast, Kent is a budding entrepreneur and sales representative, who hails from the village of Buccoo and the holder of a Master of Arts in History and Heritage Studies.

Kent had words of encouragement for other youths.

“Take full advantage of uplifting life experiences, such as the Ms La Reine Rive competition, which aids with one’s educational and social development.

“Education is the key to success therefore, young people must not be afraid to utilise their freedom of expression, showcase their talents and accept one’s social responsibility to be an advocate of volunteerism within your community, which will sensitise and educate you about the rich, diverse historiography of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Robley, a self-employed mother of two who hails from the village of Goodwood, said, “For the first time in a competition so prestigious as this, I’m contented and happy with the results.”

Robley said her friend Shamika Denoon asked her to enter the competition but her two boys gave her the inspiration to go ahead.

“After coming out of an abusive relationship, I really entered this competition to show them that no matter what I’ll always be a queen,” Robley said.

Through this competition, she said she has learnt that “it’s not always about winning, it's more about the memories made along the way.”

Her advice for people interested in entering pageants is to “be humble at all times and keep an open mind because it’s going to be an experience they’ll never forget.”

Currently a hairdresser, Robley is hoping to go to school soon.

“School is in my near future, hoping to further my music.

“I love music and the arts, I love writing music and singing and I also enjoy quality time with my family.”

The pageant was won by North West Laventille Cultural Movement’s Seychelle Ross.