Cindy Cooper wins ‘Miss Big and Beautiful’

These four will participate in upcoming regional and international competitions. Miss Big and Beautiful is a production of Carivog International, under the direction of Valerie Noreiga.

In the question and answer segment, Cooper received loud applause when she spoke about “plus- sized” women fitting into society. “I am proud of who I am and I know that every human was created in the image and likeness of God and we must be respected. Our size and shape does not determine our intelligence,” she said.

Apart from Miss Big and Beautiful, there were several other pageants by Carivog on Sunday, including Trini Carnival Princess, Trini Carnival Queen, Trini Diva, Diva Petite, Male Model, and Mighty Male.

Thirty-five contestants participated in the various categories. Delegates modelled in casual wear, swimwear, and formal wear during five hours of competitions. The winners of the various categories were Wendy Thomas (Trini Carnival Princess), Katrina Geetoowah (Trini Carnival Queen), Jamilah Mc Clean (Trini Diva), Nekeisha Carrington (Diva Petite), Douane John (Male Model), and Hanif Benjimen who was crowned Mighty Male.

Past Miss Diva Remis Modeste modelled in an outfit she created herself. Carrington (Diva Petite) was very impressive on stage winning the Creative Wear, Evening Gown and the ‘‘Intelligence’’ segments. She wore a white and silver outfit with a fan shaped back piece.

The show was punctuated with performances by belly dancer Nalini Akal and the singing group Projek Five. The family of steelpan players — the Carrington Family, and singer Jerry Gomez also entertained the crowds. African dances were performed by the Marcia Charles Dance Theatre and Tassa drumming was done by the San Juan All Stars Tassa Group.