Miss Karimah Farrell, representing the island of Tobago and sponsored by the Tobago House of Assembly, was crowned Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2013 on Saturday 28th September 2013 at the 11th Annual Pageant staged in London.
Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK is a unique pageant that highlights not just physical beauty but also the talents of its contestants as Ambassadors knowledgeable about the country and capable of representing and promoting the nation in all forums.
There were five finalists each representing a town, village or administrative region in Trinidad and Tobago and competing in fashion (Swim Wear and Evening Gown) and knowledge of T&T (Research Project on their area and topical knowledge). In addition, each contestant also paraded in a Carnival costume. To be eligible to participate, each contestant had to have a link by parentage, heritage or lineage to Trinidad and Tobago.
The finalists competing for the title and several other awards were:
- Karimah Farell, Miss Tobago
- Marchelle Wedderburn, Miss Barataria
- Natalie Ramnarine, Miss Tamana
- Shani Robertson, Miss La Brea
- Zania Linton, Miss Laventille
By sheer coincidence, the winning contestant, Miss Tobago, was crowned by the Tourism Attaché of the T&T High Commission, Ms Achi-Kemba Phillips, who herself hails from Tobago.
In addition to the competitive elements of the pageant, the evening featured performances from several exponents of the main cultural art forms of the country – pan, mas, dance and music.
Themed, ‘Tropical Fusion’, a pot pouri of fashion, drama, music and dance, choreographed by Sheanna Alleyne, the opening number and stage setting was devised by Sheanna Alleyne and dance choregraphy by Caroline Muraldo. The capacity audience was taken back in time to a bygone era brought to life by the Muraldo D C, a dance theatre company. The artists performing on the night included the reigning UK Soca Monarch Trini Boi Joocie, Deborah Romain on Pan and vocals, Lady Saxophonist Sandra Grant, Soca Artiste Kanato Alleyne and Thelma Douglin on the tenor pan. The national anthem was sung by Jamima Douglas songstress also known as J Doe.
The event in partnership with the YAA Centre was sponsored by Western Union and Caribbean Airlines. Support from The Tobago House of Assembly, Cascadia Hotel Trinidad, Design Essentials, Kbell Cosmetics, Albert St Clair Photography, 24k Records, Kie Leadership and Development Commission, Elimu Mas Band, Anna’s Silver Jewellery, Simon Hartman London,Angostura, Eleanor Small, Rebel D Music,Caribbean Delights, Lawson Lovell Graphic Designs and Kissed Eyelashes is acknowledged.
Media support was received from The Voice, the Flyer newspaper, Culture Pulse, Panache Occasions CaribDirect Multi-Media,ITZ Caribbean,Trinis in London,Business & Life Style Magazine and Soca News.
Carnival costumes were provided by Wassiville, Trinity Designs, Euphoria, Genesis and Mas with a Difference.
The newly crowned title holder of “Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK” will receive a trip to Trinidad and Tobago courtesy of Caribbean Airlines with accommodation at Cascadia Hotel Trinidad and Lyn Manor Villa Bucco Tobago. She will also receive several prizes including a Gold Gilded picture frame from Campbell’s of London, a Designer hand bag from Simon-Hartman of London, The T&T Gold Book from Hansib Publications, jewellery from Anna`s Silver Jewellery and lots more.
At the end of the evening, Carivog International paid homage, by the presenting of an award, to three individuals whose contributions to the Company and its programmes have been exemplary and sustained over the 11 years of its existence. These awards were given to Carol Muraldo, Jamima Douglas and Chandani Persaud.
The Second Runner Up to the title holder was Shani Robertson representing La Brea and the First Runner Up was Natalie Ramnarine representing Tamana.
In addition, the following awards were made:
Website Queen Miss Tobago, Karimah Farrell
Carivog Model International Miss Laventille, Zania Linton
Miss Elegance Miss Tobago, Karimah Farrell
Miss Personality Miss La Brea, Shani Robertson
Best Project Miss La Brea, Shani Robertson
Miss Photogenic Miss Barataria, Marchelle Wedderburn
Miss Amity Miss Tobago, Karimah Farrell
Notes:
Karimah Farrell is a Trinidad and Tobago national who presently resides in Shepperton, the home of the famous British film studio which produced many great memorable films and movies. She is in her final year at Middlesex University studying for her first degree – BA in Performing Arts. Her hobbies include modelling, beauty, fashion, visiting the theatre, cooking and reading. Her ambition is to become a successful actress in Film, Television and the Theatre and to train as a vocalists to enjoy yet another passion – singing.
The Organising Committee for the event included Witty Forde, Donna Forde,Melanie Peterkin Philip, Andy Alleyne, Karen Salandy, Jeanette De Couteau, Carol Muraldo,Josanne Jack, Shona Muraldo Parks, Alafair Celestine and Marisa Charles.
Members of the Judging Panel included Stedman Pearson, former member of 5 Star; Leona Sylvester, Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK 201; Suresh Ramberan, Specialist nurse/campaigner for prostate cancer; Bertha Joseph, former mayor of Brent; George Ruddock, The Editor of the Voice and Kelly Poon, Manager of Kissed Eyelashes.
Presiding over the judges were Ansel Wong, Founder of Black History Month in the United Kingdom and his assistant Dee Cummings of Events Management. CaribDirect Multi-media congratulates Karimah and wish her a successful reign. See Karimah’s interview on Diaspora News In Brief. Click here for more pictures.
