TriniView.com Fashion

Miss Lil' Independence Pageant

Deliece Pierre, Melinda Ramdeo and Marrion Lewis
Deliece Pierre, Melinda Ramdeo and Marrion Lewis

TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: September 08, 2007
Posted: October 02, 2007


The Miss Lil' Independence Pageant on September 8, 2007, was held at the Vistabella Regional Complex in southern Trinidad. Eight girls participated in the two categories: 5-8 years old and 9-12 years old. In keeping with the theme of Independence, the complex and the stage were decorated in the national colours of red, white and black.

Competing in the 5-8 years old category were Melinda Ramdeo, Marrion Lewis, Deliece Pierre, and Shania Patterson, while in the 9-12 years old category were Reanna Seeraj, Victoria Adams, Giselle Cox and Kervelle Baird. Adjudicating for both categories were Julia Stewart, Joanne Jordan and Jennifer Ashby.

Marrion Lewis 
Marrion Lewis
 
The delegates strutted on stage in black dresses to the Soca sounds of Nadia Batson, where, one by one, they introduced themselves to the audience. From this introduction, the programme flowed into the talent segment with each delegate showcasing their talent in some area to the audience.

In the 5-8 age-group Melinda Ramdeo did a rendition of "My God is So Big"; Deliece Pierre sang the gospel song "My Redeemer Lives"; Shania Patterson recited the poem "The Snare" by James Stephens while Marrion Lewis did a dance to a song by Ella Andell for which she would later cop the Best Talent Award in the junior category.

In the 9-12 age group Reanna Seeraj did a dance to Nadia Batson's popular 2007 song "One Island to Another Island"; Victoria Adams did a rendition of "When You Believe" originally sung by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey; Giselle Cox did a tribute dance to Miss Lystra and Mrs. Ingrid for their patience while Kervelle Baird played a fluent pan rendition of Crazy's "Oh Land of Mine", winning the Best Talent Award in the senior category.

After the Talent Segment was the creative Retro Segment where delegates paraded fashions reminiscent of days gone by. Girls wore outfits with names such as 'Gypsy Queen', 'The Sixties is the Best', 'Funky Fairy' and 'Hot Polka Dot Mama' and even had an array of music from the 60s and 70s playing as they walked on stage.

 Giselle Cox in the Retro Wear Segment
 Giselle Cox in the Retro Wear Segment
The last and final segment was the Evening Gown Segment, which featured some beautiful creations with strong nationalistic themes. Among these included Melinda Ramdeo wearing a layered white, red, and black gown representing Trinidad and Tobago in full bloom after Independence and Shania Patterson in a red design representing the richness of the country. With stiff competition, it would be Shania Patterson who would win the Best Evening Gown in the junior category while Victoria Adams sporting a Victorian-era styled dress who would win Best Evening Gown in the senior category.

When the full results were announced it was Marrion Lewis who won the title of Miss Junior Lil' Independence Queen 2007 edging Deliece Pierre into second place. In the 9-12 Category the elegant Giselle Cox won the Miss Senior Lil' Independence title, with Kervelle Baird taking second spot. Giselle wore a stylish red, black and white evening gown titled "National Flower Garden" while Kervelle Baird wore an elegant bright red gown with black and white decorations to the front.

The evening was, however, not all about the contestants, as the impromptu dance by Mr. and Mrs. Adams showed. Several guests also were invited on stage from whom the audience chose the Best Dressed guest. This went to Miss Ingrid Baird who wore a red and white outfit with matching hat. In addition, several reigning Queens from other pageants made an appearance and assisted in presenting awards to various winners. These were Aaliyah Reefer- Miss Little Summer Princess, Chalit Baird- Miss Elegeant African Queen 2006, Chivonne Baird- Miss Sugar and Energy 2007 Queen, Omorose Taylor- Miss Emancipation 2007 Queen, and Kestra Francis- Miss Carifesta 2006.

Results in the 5-8 Category

Marion Lewis crowned the winner in the 5-8 Category
Marion Lewis crowned the winner in the 5-8 Category
Miss Lil' Independence Queen 2007 / Marion Lewis
First runner-up / Deliece Pierre
Miss Amity / Deliece Pierre
Miss Photogenic / Deliece Pierre
Best Complexion / Marrion Lewis
Best Speech / Melinda Ramdeo
Best Talent / Marrion Lewis
Best Retro Wear / Marrion Lewis
Best Evening Gown / Shania Patterson

Results in the 9-12 Category

Giselle Cox crowned the winner in the 9-12 Category
Giselle Cox crowned the winner in the 9-12 Category
Miss Senior Lil' Independence Queen 2007 / Giselle Cox
First runner-up / Kervelle Baird
Miss Amity / Reanna Seeraj
Miss Photogenic / Reanna Seeraj
Best Complexion / Giselle Cox
Best Talent / Kervelle Baird
Best Retro Wear / Giselle Cox
Best Evening Gown / Victoria Adams

Ms Lil' Independence Pageant in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=209645



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