Patrons grumble as Karesia takes Tobago Fest queen title

Seventeen-year-old Karesia Horsford, of Bethel, parading in carnival costume “Hope,” designed and made by Iana Small, and a Suzette Waldron evening wear creation titled “Awesome,” was adjudged Tobago Fest Queen 2004 from a field of eight contestants before a comparatively small crowd at Shaw Park Cultural Complex Friday night. Patrons were openly critical of the results, with the decision being greeted by a howl of protest. In second position was 21-year-old Crystal Forbes, of Bon Accord, who appeared in  an evening gown titled “Temptation” — desi-gned and made by Vashti Beckles, and carnival costume “Orna-mental Butterfly,” made by Judith Aguillera-Nero.

Third-placed Tyane Boisselle, 18, of Mason Hall, also copped the Ms Photogenic special award. Boisselle paraded in costume “Fan Me” — a creation of Mas Lovers of Tobago, and evening gown “Sauve,” designed by Odette Jack and made by Selma Cruickshank-Win-chester. In fourth spot was Alicia Phillips, 17, of Mt Grace, who, interestingly, copped the Best Costume and Best Gown special awards. The winning costume, “Incarnation of the Fire Goddess,” was designed and made by Krystoff Alfred, while her gown “Goddess of the Ocean” was a creation of Delia Alleyne-Browne. Nikesha St Louis won the Ms Amity special award and also emerged People’s Choice winner of the Fest Queen title.

The 2004 Fest Queen will receive $4,000 in cash, a trophy courtesy Hot Stuff, and a $500 gift voucher sponsored by Lewis Appliances. Second prize is $3,000 and a weekend for two courtesy Store Bay Holiday Resort, while the third place winner will get $2,500 and dinner for two sponsored by Kariwak Village Hotel. Fourth prize is $2,000 and dinner for two courtesy Calypso Cafe, Inn-On-The-Bay. The results, however, did not find favour with large sections of the crowd. “Corruption,” “robbery with v,” “madness,” “deh ha to make a mistake,” were just some of the responses that greeted the announcement of the results.

Dissatisfied patrons openly queried how someone could win the Best Gown and Best Costume special awards and not even make it among the top three, but place fourth. Grumbling, in some cases cursing, was the order of the night as supporters of contestants, backed by others patrons, gave vent to their feelings as they left the venue. Yesterday  morning, to some people, this was all but forgotten as thousands flooded the streets of Scarborough for the Jouvert celebrations, and later the Mas Parade.