Jannessa Kalloo is Miss T&T Independence 2007
Miss T&T Republic 2007, Nicole George, Miss Independence T&T 2007, Jannessa Kalloo
and first runner-up Afheisa Herbert
TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: August 29, 2007
Posted: September 06, 2007
On Wednesday 29th August, 2007, on the eve of the Independence Day commemoration, the Miss T&T Independence Pageant was hosted at the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Organized by Nikeisha Durham, the pageant featured eight young ladies vying for two titles: Miss T&T Republic 2007 and Miss T&T Independence 2007.
 | | Maelene Charlerie representing the
Indigenous Carib influence
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The creatively designed pageant featured eight contestants representing the various peoples who have influenced Trinidad and Tobago: the First Indigenous People, the Spanish, the French, the British, the Dutch, the Chinese, the Africans and the East Indians. In the first segment, the eight contestants, dressed in wear representing the eight highlighted influences, introduced themselves and spoke about the influence that they were representing. While this was a good idea that allowed people to learn about Trinbagonian history, the girls could have presented better prepared and researched commentaries as several commentaries contained incorrect historical information. One such example was the contestant representing Spain who declared that Trinidad and Tobago was discovered by Christopher Columbus.
In the pageant, Maelene Charlerie represented the Indigenous influence; Candice Taylor represented the Dutch influence; Nicole George represented the French influence; Kelly-Ann Gomez represented the East Indian influence; Afheisa Herbert represented the African influence; Jenna Gonzales represented the Chinese influence; Addana Grant represented the British influence; and Jannessa Kalloo represented the Spanish influence.
The pageant, hosted by Adrian Raymond and former Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Keneisha Thom, featured the contestants participating in four segments: Introduction, Swimsuit, Evening Gown and Question and Answer. Assessing the ladies in these categories were the judges for the evening: Kesha Quash, Leah-Mari Guevara, Nigel Celestine, Ian Lee, Deborah Jean-Baptiste, Akanath Singh, Katrina Geetooah and Yolandra John.
Shiv Shakti dancers
The evening was punctuated by several lively performances; Clico Shiv Shakti performed an exciting East Indian dance; Laurenzo Gonzales performed a couple of songs in his unique Spanish-influenced Socaton style; Alexe Little sung the popular R&B song "Always and Forever", while designer Roger Johnson joined with Ricardo Roberts to sing one of Baron's hit songs. The audience showed their appreciation for these performances with their loud cheers, whistles and applause.
Pageant contestants in swimwear
In keeping with the independence theme of red, white and black, the swimwear segment was opened with the contestants showcasing simple, white bikinis, enhanced with a rich, red, chiffon-type material elegantly draped in a cold-shoulder fashion to softly accentuate the curves of the contestants. After the last contestant strutted off the stage, the audience had thought that that was the end of the swimwear segment. However, the audience was pleasantly surprised when the contestants immediately returned to the stage, only this time revealing more stylish bikinis. After the swimwear segment ended, a short intermission followed which allowed the girls to prepare themselves for the Evening Gown segment.
 | | Jenna Gonzales
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The Evening Gown segment opened with cheers and applause from the audience as the contestants once again graced the stage clad in finely tailored evening gowns designed by some of Trinidad's very popular and creative designers. The colours of the gowns were beautifully highlighted under the stage lights as the contestants gracefully showcased the intricate designs and fit of their evening wear. To add a little fun, flavour and creativity to the pageant, each girl made their final pose with gold or silver dust flowing from their hands. The audience seemed very satisfied with the effort that the contestants made to appease them.
After the Swimwear and Evening Gown segments, came the Question and Answer segment, where the judges further assessed the contestants. When the results were announced it was the confident and elegant Nicole George who captured the Miss T&T Republic 2007 title, while 18 year old Jannessa Kalloo, from Chaguanas, captured the Miss T&T Independence 2007, with Afheisa Herbert copping the runner-up position.
In a brief interview with Triniview.com, pageant organizer Nikeisha Durham said that the pageant has been going on for three years and one of the main aims is to take the contestants to another level. She shared that she will continue her efforts in organizing shows and said she is planning other upcoming shows that will feature the talent of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. With the good effort shown in this pageant, the public can look forward to more exciting pageants and fashion shows from this ambitious lady.
Pageant Results
Miss T&T Independence 2007 – Jannessa Kalloo
Miss T&T Republic 2007 – Nicole George
First runner-up – Afheisa Herbert
Special Prizes
Spirit of Independence Award – Candice Taylor
Best Entrepreneurial Spirit – Candice Taylor
Best Evening Wear – Addana Grant
Best Swimwear – Jannessa Kalloo
Best Ethnic Wear – Kelly-Ann Gomez
Miss Congeniality – Afheisa Herbert
People's Choice – Jenna Gonzales
Most Photogenic – Jenna Gonzales
Most Intelligent – Jannessa Kalloo
Miss T&T Independence 2007 in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=205703
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