Collin Piper: Prizes not priority

Seven months after the 2020 Carnival Queen show, the seven young ladies who competed in the pageant have not received prizes, the Sun can report.

As customary, at least one month after the show the Discover Dominica Authority's (DDA) Festival Committee holds a prize giving ceremony. But not in 2020.

A source with inside knowledge of the situation, who requested anonymity to speak candidly on the subject, said the fact that the ceremony has not been held is "shameful and disrespectful."

"Money is not an issue. Yes, we had COVID-19 but my God-things are happening and the prize-giving ceremony should have already been done," the source said. "No one listens. It is now almost eight months and the ladies are yet to get what is due to them. This is unfair, shameful and disrespectful."

But Colin Piper, the DDA's Chief Executive Officer, said the prize-giving ceremony of the Miss Dominica pageant, held on 20 February 2020, was not a priority.

"Our priorities and focus since COVID had to be re-arranged and we are focused on reopening the borders," Piper said. "We will inform the parties of plans in the near future, but for now we have other priorities."

"He is not bothered…how can this not be a priority?" asked the source. "The ladies have worked; they should have already been paid. What message you are sending out to the other young ladies thinking of taking part in the pageant?"

At the end of the show in February, 20-year-old year old National Bank of Dominica customer service representative Savahnn James of Roseau was crowned Miss Dominica 2020.

She took awards for Best Performing Talent and Best Interview; Primrose David of Massacre placed second.

Shannon Connor St. Hilaire secured the 2nd runner-up spot. She won the awards for Miss Photogenic, Best Costume, Best in Costume, and Best Evening Wear.

The first runner-up position went to Primrose Angel David. She won the awards for Best Swimwear, Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Wear.

Melanie Charles took the award for Miss Amity. The other contestants were: Kadisha Joseph of Fond Cole; Kimra Charles (also representing Fond Cole) and Elnarrah Emmanuel representing King's Hill and Grand Bay.