Indian Arrival Day Queen:

CRYSTAL BADAL, 23, of 46 Gandhi Village, Debe, representing Miss Brand Source won the third Annual Miss Indian Arrival Day Queen title, at the Centre Pointe Mall Auditorium, Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas, on Saturday night.

Badal, who would like to be a professional graphic designer later in life, will receive the following prizes: $10,000 in cash, a return trip to New York, a modelling scholarship, jewelry, a hamper and a trophy.

The winner, who attended the Fyzabad Composite Secondary School and the Upper Level Educational Institute, said that the contest “has improved my self confidence and has boosted my self esteem, and it has also given young Indo-Trinidadian girls an opportunity to widen their knowledge about current events.”

Employed at Benco and Sales Agency, Debe, Badal was convincing in answer to a question on the spread of HIV/Aids and said that “abstinence was the best course to take as well as the use of condoms.”

She was thankful for the support and assistance she received from her family and close friends “which comforted me into believing that I could be the winner.”

The first runner-up was Abigail Beddeau, 20, Miss V & S Trading Ltd.

Best Gown - Crystal Badal; People’s Choice - Vijayanti Ramoutar (Miss Montezuma Ltd)).

Producer of the Show was Jordis Fashions Designs Limited, of Isaac Junction, Couva.

The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Gender Affairs.

The contestants made appearances in shalwars, evening gowns and saris.