Teen Queen stripped of title

Cherise Solomon, who was crowned Miss Teen Trinidad and Tobago Caribbean 2003 last Friday, has been stripped of the title by organisers of the pageant.

She has also been relieved of all her duties at the regional competition, as well as all the benefits that accompany the title. Solomon reportedly tore off her crown and sash after the results of the competition were announced, saying: “I don’t want it.” She then proceeded to march off the stage in anger as she felt that she ought to have been picked the winner of the international title instead of the Caribbean title.

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the City Hall Auditorium, pageant co-ordinator Molly Bridgelalsingh said the unanimous decision came after discussions on the matter were held with all the relevant parties. He proceeded to list a number of concerns the pageant committee had, including the country’s reputation, if Solomon was TT’s delegate. He also questioned: “What guarantees do we have that this kind of conduct will not occur at the regional pageant or elsewhere?” Bridgelalsingh then stated: “Our country’s regional and international image is of utmost importance to us. Members of the pageant committee must take every necessary precaution that behaviour like this does not happen when Miss Teen delegates represent Trinidad and Tobago anywhere in the world.”

Fearing that this may have been the outcome, Solomon told Newsday earlier this week that if she was stripped of the title, it would have been a sad day for the pageant. However, at the conference yesterday, the organisers presented the smiling face of the third placed winner Blair Cameron as the new Trinidad and Tobago representative to the Miss Teen Caribbean, to be held in Barbados next year. The Form V St Francois College student, together with overall winner Melissa John, will undergo programmes to ensure they are specially prepared for their competitions, as well as other special programmes designed by the Beauty Bank and Dr Jean Campbell. Meanwhile, the Miss Teen pageant committee has since accepted Solomon’s apology, stating that she is young and that “we all make mistakes.”