Kaidynce Melhem, Miss India Assurance Company Limited, emerged winner of this year’s Miss Central Trinidad Carnival Pageant, taking home with her $6,000 in cash.
The event was held on Carnival Saturday. Melhem also walked away with a trip to Tobago for two by Ramlagans Hardware, jewellery by Rishi’s Jewellery, and a shopping spree of $500 from Pineapple Gems.
The pageant was held at the Republic Bank Couva Car Park where hundreds of people turned out to witness who would take the crown.
Hailing from Edinburgh Chaguanas, Melhem, 19, fondly called Gaby by her family and friends, won the hearts of the audience and judges.
Not only did she win the crown but also won the People’s Choice award of $1,000, Miss Intelligent, $300 and a voucher for beauty services and Best Gown $500.
On the night of the show, Melhem wore an elegant Mon Cherrie line of clothing. For her Carnival costume, Melhem had to make it herself as she said she was not getting one to rent.
The 19-year-old queen is a past student of Holy Faith Convent in Couva and at present a second-year CAPE student at St Joseph’s Convent San Fernando. She wants to venture into Economic Law.
The best costume went to the 1st runner-up Jovelle John, Miss Virgo Consultants, which was titled Sunrise in Paradise and was designed by her teacher Clevand Serries.
John, a student of Chaguanas North Secondary School, also took the Miss Photogenic prize which was selected by a panel of professional photographers.
The second runner-up was Maria Sookdar—Miss Fusion Menage of Couva. She holds a BSC in performing arts. Sookdar was described by her fellow delegates as the “salt fish” of the whole lot and it was not a surprise when she was adjudged Miss Amity which came with a $500 prize.
The co-ordinator of the pageant was Marcia Merrick-Mohammed, a former Carnival and Crop Over queen, who decided to organise funding and sponsorship of the event.