Tall, beauty Marsh Thompson, who will be attending university this fall on a full scholarship, sashed her way into the hearts of the judges on June 22, to become Miss CARICOM 2018 at the Multipurpose Ballroom on Farmers Blvd., Queens.
Wearing an elegant red grown designed with silver sequins, and a slit to showed her long legs, the confident young lady who competed in the “Seniors Group” of the beauty pageant, was asked during the Q&A category — ‘what is beauty according to you,” to which, she responded, being confident, patient, and compassionate towards others.
“I can be the most beautiful person I can be, and I have a lot be proud of.”
She went on to explain that because of her back disorder, scoliosis, that caused her to seek back and foot surgery, she has not always felt pretty, but has learned to become confident by competing in pageants.
The events planner, and soon to be swimsuit designer, won the best swimwear segment. Her creation was designed from a lime green fabric, and completed with a blue and lime green cover-up.
The positive young lady plans to continue volunteering at homeless shelters, and fundraising events, towards a cure, for cancer, and HIV / AIDS.
Thompson said she hopes to inspire and empower other Caribbean women during her journey.
In addition to a trophy, and other prizes, the queen will become a United Nations ambassador as part of the CARICOM pageant. She will also become a member of the UNESCO Fashion Institute of Education with all the other contestants.
Breana Joseph who wore a pink brush velvet gown with a fishtail effect, was crowned first-runner-up.
The second runner-up prize went to Islanda Jeancius, who wore a stunning multi-colored gown with a revealing back effect.
Wearing a white gown, Nycee Rodriguez captured the crown in the Miss CARICOM Teen group, while first-runner-up went to Victoria Burton, who showed off a white frilly dress. Second-runner up went to Nick Darlencia Labaze who wore a peach floor-length gown.
Pretty little queen Bella Burton, captured crown, in the Miss CARICOM Mini group, wearing a grey sequin short dress.
Joslynn- Engles-Herbert, outfitted in a pink balloon floor-length pink dress, was crowned runner-up in the Miss CARICOM Mini.
All of the other contestants received tropes; during the evening that Founder and CEO of the Miss CARICOM Foundation, Monica Sanchez said, empowered and improved the lives of the contestants, who were serenaded by saxophonist Flantis.
Thanks to Lady Ira Lewis, founder and president of Guyana American Heritage Foundation, seven of the contestants received sponsorship.
Businesswoman, and Founder of the Culture of Blessings Foundation, Bibi Ali, and others, sponsored contestants, while Diane Designs provided carnival costumes for the young ladies to display on the runway.
Miss CARICOM Pageant was started in 2004 by Ms. Sanchez with the help of award-winning actor Danny Glover, who the Power of Dreams Award was created to honor.
The goal of Miss CARICOM is to empower and promote worldwide interest in culture and education, under the theme: Believe You Are Never Too Young or Old to Learn Something New.
