Miss USVI To Represent Territory In Antigua’s Jacees International Queen Show On Sunday

ST. THOMAS — Britanny D. Robinson, the reigning Miss U.S. Virgin Islands Caribbean Queen leaves for St. John, Antigua on Wednesday to represent the territory in Antigua’s annual Jacees International Queen Show, which happens this Sunday.

It will be the first time in 10 years since the territory has been represented at the highly recognized event, and Ms. Robinson said she was honored to be asked to participate.

“This is more of a passion for me to bring attention back to the USVI,” Ms. Robinson told The Virgin Islands Consortium last week.

Thirteen regional contestants, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, will participate in Sunday’s event, which carries the theme: “One Region, One People, Many Cultures”.

Robinson’s main sponsor has been the Department of Tourism, whom she says has supported her “abundantly,” and while there has been some financial strain as the territory continues to linger in recession, Robinson, 23, has seen support from family and friends.

Her talent, she said, will be a “very upbeat jazz ensemble that’s “showtastic,” which is about “putting on a show and showing them how vibrant and talented we are, here in the Virgin Islands.”

Robinson, born on St. Thomas, attended Ulla F. Muller Elementary School, Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, Charlotte Amalie High School and the University of the Virgin Islands, where she studied biology.

Robinson also took some time to encourage residents, praising the islands and its people as talented and intelligent, and said that when the people are unified, they become unstoppable. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” she said. “And a village is what helps people become prosperous.” Her Go Fund Me page is here, if you wish to support Ms. Robinson financially. Her promotional video can be viewed here.

“No one can be successful on their own,” Robinson went on. “If we, as a people, want to see our Virgin Islands become prosperous, successful and everything that we dreamed of it to be, then I think we should learn to work together and have that open mind that, yes, we are small in size, but we have lots of talent and knowledge that can make us better and more successful, or as successful as any other place in this world,” she concluded.

According to a press release, the 54th annual Jaycees International Queen Show will be held at the Antigua Recreations Grounds, following the opening of carnival in Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday. All 13 contestants in the queen show will be required to make a guest appearance at the opening of carnival.

Contestants will be judged in the following categories:

• Swimwear 50 points
• Performing talent 50 points
• Evening wear and modeling skills 60 points
• Interview 60 points

The introductory appearance in national wear/costumes will not be judged.

Prizes include:

• Cruise for two
• Cash Prize of US $3000.00
• Jewelry
• Airline Ticket (Port-of-call)
• Electronics

The official host hotel will be Rex Halcyon Resorts.