“Fit to be crowned” Carnival Queen Contestants pose at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa; From left to right: Satriece George, Latisha Greene, Jennaecia Lewis, Talisa Gomes and reigning Carnival Queen Doree Benjamin

Guests at Sandals Grande Antigua got a glimpse of Antiguan culture when the island’s Carnival Queen contestants were treated to a cocktail and dinner on Wednesday, June 29.

“This is a great way for the contestants to practice their public speaking skills and engage in a cultural exchange so we were delighted that this invitation was extended to us by Sandals Grande Antigua,” said Chairperson of the Carnival Queen Committee, Mrs. Vandah Neale-Gardner. Satriece George, Latisha Greene, Jennaecia Lewis and Talisa Gomes mingled and dined with returning guests of Sandals who were very eager to meet the young women. Contestants Alicia Roberts and Larissa James were unable to attend.

Reigning Queen of Carnival Doree Benjamin accompanied the group of hopefuls and said that she is ready to give up her crown. “This has been a very rewarding experience for me and I relish the opportunity to share my expertise with this year’s very talented crop of young women,” said Benjamin. She noted that the participants have been practicing very hard in preparation for the show on July 25.

“We wanted our guests to feel the spirit of carnival because many of them will not be here to witness the festivities but at least they will get a sense of why it is such an integral part of Antiguan culture,” said General Manager Gerald Christ.