The Pavilion on Rodney Bay was filled with elegance, anticipation, and cultural pride on Saturday, June 5, as seven poised and talented young women vied for the title of 2025 National Carnival Queen. After months of training and preparation, the delegates delivered captivating performances across various judged segments, culminating in the crowning of a new National Carnival Queen. The results of the 2025 National Carnival Queen Pageant are as follows: 

2025 National Carnival Queen – Miss Bank of St. Lucia, Emerle Tisson

1st Runner Up – Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Tatiana Clovis Freitas

2nd Runner Up – Miss JP Chenet, Kertrina Oculi

Similarly to the 2024 National Carnival Queen Pageant, delegates competed for multiple prizes in each category. While the ‘Best’ awards recognise the design, craftsmanship, or creativity of a particular element, such as costume, swimwear, or evening wear the ‘Best in’ awards honour how confidently and gracefully the delegate presented that element on stage. It’s a balance between the art and the performance, the creation itself, and the way it’s brought to life before the judges and the audience. The winners in the individual categories were as follows;

• Miss Photogenic – Miss JP Chenet; Kertrina Oculi
• Miss Congeniality – Miss Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort – Kittle Symphorien
• Strongbow People’s Choice – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia; Emerle Tisson
• CPMC Chairmans Award for Perseverance – Miss JP Chenet, Kertrina Oculi
• Best First Interview – Miss Dazzle Magazine, Hadassah Romulus
• Best Second Interview – Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Tatiana Clovis Freitas
• Best Swimwear – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia; Emerle Tisson
• Best In Swimwear – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia; Emerle Tisson
• Best Performing Talent – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia; Emerle Tisson
• Best Costume – Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Tatiana Clovis Freitas
• Best In Costume – TIED
  • Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Tatiana Clovis Freitas
  • Miss Bank of Saint Lucia; Emerle Tisson
• Best Evening Wear – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia; Emerle Tisson
• Best in Evening Wear – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia; Emerle Tisson 

The prizes for the winner of the National Carnival Queen Pageant include a cash prize of $25,000, 1 fully paid bachelor’s degree scholarship from Monroe University, and one gift box compliments Lucille’s Garden.

The sponsors of the National Carnival Queen Pageant include Bank of Saint Lucia Limited Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, JP Chenet, Dazzle Magazine, Duty Free Pointe Seraphine, Sugar Beach A viceroy Resort, FLOW, St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited- LUCELEC, Piton Beer, Monroe University, Bounty Rum, JP Chenet, Peardrax, Skin Envy, Strongbow, Harry Edward’s Jewellers, First Citizens Investment Services, Ti Kay Bouton, NAGICO, Fashion BLOC, Anthony’s Jewellery, Lucille’s Garden, Wavemaker Photography, and WASCO.

The Carnival Planning & Management Committee extends its gratitude to all delegates, sponsors, production teams, and supporters who made the 2025 National Carnival Queen Pageant a resounding success.

Follow @saintluciacarnivalqueenpageant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and @carnivalsaintlucia or www.carnivalsaintlucia.com for more updates and highlights from Lucian Carnival 2025.

Anticipation is at an all-time high as the 2025 National Carnival Queen Pageant takes centre stage tomorrow, Saturday, July 5th at the Pavillion on Rodney Bay. Seven radiant, intelligent young women are set to compete for the prestigious title of 2025 National Carnival Queen.

Since their selection in April 2025, the delegates have undergone a transformative journey of personal development and civic engagement. Their reign to this point has been marked by a series of intensive training sessions, community-based initiatives, and appearances that reflect the values of Lucian Carnival’s four pillars: Inclusivity, Sustainability, Cultural Preservation, and Responsible Enjoyment.

Among the highlights of their journey were personal development sessions, cultural immersion tours, interactive workshops with sponsors, and school visits, where they inspired students with powerful messages of self-confidence and cultural pride. In alignment with the festival’s sustainability mission, the delegates also participated in a tree-planting initiative, symbolizing their commitment to nurturing the environment and giving back to the communities they proudly represent.

The seven delegates vying for the 2025 National Carnival Queen title include:

• Contestant No. 1 – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia; Emerle Tisson
• Contestant No. 2 – Miss JP Chenet; Kertrina Oculi
• Contestant No. 3 – Miss Dazzle – Hadassah Romulus
• Contestant No. 4 – Miss Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate – Ziggy Kenya Vitalis
• Contestant No. 5 – Miss Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort – Kittle Symphorien
• Contestant No. 6 – Miss Duty Free Pointe Seraphine – Shernia Phillip
• Contestant No. 7 – Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority – Tatiana Clovis Freitas

The evening will culminate with the crowning of one outstanding young delegate who will succeed Miss Bounty Rum, Shan Lucien, the reigning 2024 National Carnival Queen and Miss Jaycees 2024. Miss Lucien’s reign was marked by poise, advocacy, and grace. Miss Lucien has served as a shining example of the positive impact a Carnival Queen can make within her community and across the region.

The 2025 National Carnival Queen Pageant takes place tomorrow, Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Pavilion on Rodney Bay.  Follow @saintluciacarnivalqueenpageant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates on the pageant and @carnivalsaintlucia for all things Carnival.

The Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) has announced the availability of digital tickets for all national events on the 2025 Lucian Carnival calendar at 4circlestickets.com.

The move to online tickets is part of the CPMC’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and convenience for both local patrons and visitors, for all Lucian Carnival events. The availability of digital tickets ensures a quick, convenient, and hassle-free experience when securing access to the season’s most anticipated national events. The events include:

• National Carnival Queen Pageant – July 5, The Pavilion on Rodney Bay, Gros Islet
• D’Vibes – July 9, National Cultural Centre, Castries
• Inter- Commercial Calypso Competition – July 10, National Cultural Centre, Castries
• National Power & Groovy Soca Monarch – July 11, The Sab, Vigie, Castries
• National Calypso Monarch – July 12, The Sab, Vigie, Castries
• National Panorama Competition – July 13, The Sab, Vigie, Castries

“Our goal is to make access to Lucian Carnival as easy and inclusive as possible,” said CPMC Chairperson, Ms. Tamara Gibson. “By going digital, we’re ensuring that everyone, whether they’re in Saint Lucia or planning their visit from abroad, can choose the option that best suits them to secure their tickets to be part of the national celebrations.”

Physical tickets are also available for purchase for all national events at Steve’s Barbershop in Castries, and The Cell outlets island wide. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment, and additional cost at the gate.

Patrons are encouraged to visit www.4circlestickets.com to purchase event tickets. For more information, visit www.carnivalsaintlucia.com.

Following a weekend of high energy music competitions, the Carnival Planning and Management Committee has announced the finalists for the 2025 Soca and Calypso Monarch Competitions. Despite the rains, scores of people assembled at the National Cultural Centre on Friday, June 28, for the Groovy & Power Soca Semi-Finals and on Sunday, June 29, for the Calypso Semi-finals.

20 songs competed in both the Groovy and Power Soca categories in an effort to make it to the finals of the Soca Monarch competition scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025. The defending Groovy Soca monarch is Sly, and Power Soca Monarch, Ricky T. The artistes qualifying for the finals are listed below in alphabetical order.

In the semi-final round of the Calypso competition held Sunday, June 18, calypsonians each presented 2 songs. 9 calypsonians were selected to advance to the finals of the Calypso Monarch competition for a chance to dethrone reigning monarch, Dezral.

The Groovy and Power Soca Monarch will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, and the Calypso Monarch competition on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The events will take place at the SAB, Vigie. Tickets for both shows are $60 and can be purchased from 4circlesevents.com, The Cell outlets island wide and Steve’s Barbershop in Castries. Tickets are $80 at the gate.

For updates relating to all carnival competitions, visit www.carnivalsaintlucia.com or @carnivalsaintlucia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The CPMC wishes all artistes and calypsonians best of luck as they prepare for the Finals. t

JFK Strip-Searches, Birthright Citizenship Under Fire, and the High Cost of Immigration Fraud

In this episode, we confront a disturbing trend and a legal minefield affecting immigrants and travelers alike.

First up: strip searches at JFK Airport— a shocking rise in invasive procedures targeting elderly travelers, visa holders, and even green card holders. Are your rights being violated at the airport?

Next, what are the latest legal developments on birthright citizenship? We examine what the Supreme Court decision means for children born on U.S. soil to immigrant parents.

And finally, the high stakes of false U.S. citizenship claims and fraudulent immigration documents—why even a single misstatement can lead to deportation, permanent bars, or even federal criminal charges.

From strip searches to birth certificates, this episode is your roadmap to understanding your rights, risks, and legal remedies. Call 855-768-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us to schedule a consultation!

Following four electrifying quarter-final Calypso shows at the National Cultural Centre, 18 calypsonians have earned their spot in the semi-final round of the annual Calypso Monarch Competition, set for Sunday, June 29th at the National Cultural Centre.

The quarter-final rounds saw spirited performances from artists representing each of the four tents, thrilling judges and calypso enthusiasts alike with their lyrical sharpness, stage presence, and whimsical storytelling. After a highly competitive week, the following 18 calypsonians have been selected to move forward to the semi-finals. Their names and corresponding Calypso Tent appear below in alphabetical order:

At the Semi-final stage of competition, nine calypsonians will be selected to compete against the defending monarch: Dezral, for the 2025 Calypso Monarch title. Calypso Semi-Finals will be held on Sunday, June 29th at the National Cultural Centre, from 4 pm.  Tickets for are only $40 and available from Steve’s Barbershop and The Cell outlets island wide.

For updates relating to all carnival competitions, visit www.carnivalsaintlucia.com or @carnivalsaintlucia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The CPMC wishes all Calypsonians best of luck in the next round of the competition as they prepare for the Monarch.

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In a powerful demonstration of purpose-driven pageantry, the delegates vying for the National Carnival Queen traded makeup brushes for shovels during a tree planting exercise held on Friday, 13 June 2025 at the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Held just days ahead of the United Nations World Day to Combat Desertification on June 17, the initiative was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development with several trees such as sugar apples and cherry trees, among those planted.  The tree planting initiative reinforces the urgent need for land preservation, tree restoration, and climate resilience, all critical to Saint Lucia’s sustainability agenda.

Sustainability is also a core area of focus for Lucian Carnival and this initiative positions the National Carnival Queen Pageant as a platform for social consciousness and environmental responsibility. It highlights the evolving role of pageantry in Saint Lucia not merely as a celebration of grace and intellect, but as a catalyst for positive action and national development. The national carnival queen delegates are not only cultural ambassadors but also agents of change, championing social and environmental causes.

The seven delegates of this year’s pageant were joined for the initiative by the reigning Carnival Queen, Shan Lucien, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Honourable Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Chairperson of the Carnival Planning and Management Committee, Ms. Tamara Gibson, Chief Forest Officer, Mr. Alwin Dornelly, and team members from the Department of Forestry, and the CPMC.

As Lucian Carnival 2025 unfolds under the banner of inclusivity, sustainability, cultural preservation, and responsible enjoyment, initiatives like these reaffirm the CPMC’s commitment to shaping a festival, and a future, that truly reflects the soul of the nation.

The 2025 National Carnival Queen Pageant will be held on Saturday, July 05, at the Pavillion on Rodney Bay.  Persons interested in learning more are encouraged to visit www.carnivalsaintlucia.com.

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The Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) is proud to announce the panel of judges selected for music competitions for Lucian Carnival 2025, including the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch, Inter-Commercial Calypso and the Calypso Monarch Competitions.

Their collective knowledge and experience ensure the highest standards of fairness and professionalism in evaluating the wide array of talent that defines Lucian Carnival.

The listed of judges published here for the 2025 Lucian Carnival Season may be amended at a later date.

For updates relating to the Competitions, visit us at www.carnivalsaintlucia.com or @carnivalsaintlucia on Facebook or Instagram. The CPMC wishes all calypsonians and Soca artistes the best of luck in the next round of the competition as they prepare for the Monarch.