As the sun began to set and anticipation filled the air, supporters, family members, and pageant enthusiasts gathered on Saturday evening at the Eldridge Wilburn Blake Sports and Fitness Center at the University of the Virgin Islands for an evening of pageantry culminating in the crowning of a new St. Thomas Ambassadorial Queen.
At the conclusion of a highly competitive evening, contestant number one, Safiah Wharton, emerged as the new titleholder. A senior at Charlotte Amalie High School, Wharton also earned the titles of Miss Intellect and Best Ambassadorial Presentation, solidifying her standout performance in two key segments of the competition.
Contestant number four, Jahniya Williams, a student at the University of the Virgin Islands, presented and performed consistently throughout the night and was named first runner-up. Williams secured several awards, including Best Swimwear, Best Cultural Historical Dress, Miss Photogenic, and the People’s Choice Award, the latter reflecting strong community support through text-based voting.
Contestant number three, Ajenue Willet-Tyson, captured both Best Talent and Best Evening Wear, demonstrating excellence in performance and stage presence.
Completing the slate of contestants was D’Quana Lewis, who also contributed to the evening’s dynamic and competitive showcase.
The show began promptly at 6 p.m. with the traditional formalities that set the stage for the evening’s proceedings. The opening number followed, which began with a cultural tribute that paid homage to the territory’s women cultural bearers of yesteryear, as contestants appeared adorned in traditional Bamboula dancer garments. This was followed by a high-energy routine that ushered in the vibrant spirit of Carnival.
In pursuit of the coveted crown, each contestant displayed her individual style, poise, talent, cultural awareness, and intellect across seven judged segments: Introductory Speech, Swimwear, Ambassadorial Presentation, Onstage Interview, Cultural/Historical Dress, Talent, and Evening Wear, with a total possible score of 1,950 points.
The Introductory Speech marked the first formal opportunity for the audience to learn about each contestant and the platforms they represent. This segment was well executed by all contestants and effectively set the tone for the evening.
Building on this momentum, the Swimwear segment followed, highlighting fashion, fitness, and flair as each contestant took to the stage with confidence and poise. Each appearance was crafted to reflect the unique personality and style of the contestants. Williams distinguished herself in this segment, commanding the stage in a blue-themed swimwear design accented with yellow, complemented by touches of Madras fabric and a polished, confident routine.
The competition deepened during the Ambassadorial Presentation. Each contestant spoke to their interests and sense of civic responsibility. Wharton delivered a passionate and eloquent speech on the topic, “Unmasked: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Among USVI Youth.” Lewis used her platform to emphasize the importance of civic engagement, encouraging greater awareness and active participation. She reminded listeners that the future of the Virgin Islands can be shaped using their voices and exercising their right to vote. Willet-Tyson thoughtfully blended her aspiration of becoming a judge with a cultural perspective, incorporating her involvement with the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra to underscore the role of the arts in community development. Williams drew on her passion for sports to bring awareness to the economic and social benefits of sports tourism, presenting it as a viable avenue for growth within the territory.
The Onstage Interview immediately followed the Ambassadorial Presentation. During this segment, each contestant was asked three questions. The first served as an icebreaker, while the remaining two assessed the contestants’ ability to thoughtfully respond to current issues. The featured topics for the evening focused on the education of young women in the community and tourism. Wharton distinguished herself as one of the most composed and fluent speakers.
The energy shifted as the evening moved into the staging of the Cultural/Historical Dress segment, one of the most anticipated appearances of the pageant. This segment was a kaleidoscope of creativity and culture, as each contestant thoughtfully and masterfully curated designs that depicted elements of St. Thomas’ rich heritage. Wharton brought to life the beauty and splendor of the St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens through an elegant and visually captivating portrayal. Lewis embodied the vibrancy of a traditional local market, capturing its history, energy, and cultural flavor. Willet-Tyson paid tribute to what she described as one of the Virgin Islands’ greatest treasures, the art of palm weaving and Virgin Islands basketry, skillfully highlighting its cultural significance. Williams distinguished herself in this segment through her intricate depiction of the historic Zora’s of St. Thomas. Her presentation paid homage to the craft of leatherwork and featured custom leather pieces that evoked a sense of nostalgia and cultural pride among audience members.
The stage came alive during the Talent segment through heartfelt and culturally reflective performances that emphasized the rich talents of the four contestants. This included vocal performances, instrumental displays, and acrobatic pieces, each sharing the contestants’ creativity and versatility. Willet-Tyson’s performance paid tribute to the work and contributions of musical legends who once graced the stage. She delivered a dynamic performance of familiar tunes on the keyboard, steelpan, and drums. Wharton captivated the audience with her vocal ability, delivering a medley of four melodies. Lewis offered a musical tribute through a flute performance, while Williams presented a heartfelt homage to former Carnival queens who have passed, blending vocals with acrobatic elements in a moving and expressive piece.
As the evening drew to a close, the pageant transitioned into the Evening Wear segment. Each contestant embodied elegance and style, gracing the stage with poise, confidence, and sophistication. Wharton stunned in an emerald green gown accented with lime tones. Lewis captivated in a sunset-inspired orange hue, while Williams commanded attention in a striking crimson red evening gown. However, it was Willet-Tyson who earned top honors in this segment, dazzling in a radiant yellow gown that set her apart.
As is customary, the reigning queen, Arliesha Paul, took her final walk, a moment marked by reflection and gratitude as she bid farewell to her reign.
Throughout the evening, the audience was entertained by the Euphoric Band and also enjoyed a dynamic performance from the Energique Dance Group. Hosts Dionne Donadelle and JeRonn Simmonds kept the show running smoothly, guiding the audience through each segment with energy, poise, and engaging commentary. Beyond the pageantry, the event reaffirmed the role of the Ambassadorial Queen as a platform for youth advocacy, cultural preservation, and civic engagement within the Virgin Islands.
