Simone wins Tobago Fest crown

Simone Charles was crowned the sixth annual Tobago Fest Queen on Thursday at Shaw Park Cultural Complex.

The petite 15-year-old of Signal Hill, Tobago, was the obvious highlight in a less than spectacular show. Dubbed by organisers as “a show with a difference,” the annual Tobago Fest Pageant bordered between a Best Village and Tobago Heritage Festival production much to the chagrin of irate patrons, many of whom agreed that the dramatisations would have been suitable were it not a carnival- type event. This year, instead of only parading in the usual swim wear and carnival costumes, the eight contestants played an active part in the entire production. Patrons were disappointed and extremely shocked, however, when they realised that, amidst the revelry of the contestants, the crowned queen had been presented on stage with her trophy, while they sat with bated breaths for the anticipated announcement.