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The First Annual Miss Florida Caribbean Beauty Pageant promised to be a "potpourri" of culture and it was that and more. The show took place on Sunday October the 28th and was well attended by a diverse group of people. The nine contestants represented the English, French/Creole, Spanish speaking Islands and even our Caribbean communities in Central and South America.

The Show was well executed, on time and flowed much smoother than a typical Caribbean event. The show began with a performance of 'God Bless America' by Touch of Steel on steel pans. The Contestants, or 'delegates' as executive producer Jannice Davis prefers to call them introduced themselves to the audience. The order of the introductions were by the alphabetical order of the countries, and this would remain consistent throughout the other segments of the show. Gianilda Perez, Ms. Dominican Republic entered the stage wearing a sombrero and spoke to the audience first in her native Spanish and then in English, the delegates introduced not only themselves but also their countries. It was clear from the start that the crowd favorites were Ms. Bahamas, Ms. Belize and Ms. Haiti.

Next was the presentation of their National Costumes by the girls while the DeeJay Jungle Boy played the fitting Billy Ocean classic "Caribbean Queen". Jamie Kalicharan looked fantastic in her Trini Carnival masquerades costume and crowd favorite Clavette Russell wore a Junkanoo outfit from the Bahamas that was well received by the energetic audience.

The talent segment followed; Ms. Antigua performed an excellent version of Maya Angelou's 'Phenomenal Woman', Ms. Bahamas danced a routine that showcased her ability to perform modern, traditional and hip-hop dances, with the music changing accordingly. Miss Belize sang an emotional version of Gladys Knight and the pips 'neither one of us want's to be the first to say goodbye' and Ms Dominican Republic choose to sing in Spanish. Ms Guyana danced to 'Bumbro' an hindi song, from the Indian movie 'Mission Kashmir'. Nathalie Armand, Ms. Haiti spoke poetry and sang 'No Woman no cry' accapella and had the audience singing along with her. Ms. Jamaica also sang very well. Miss St. Lucia was hilarious with a skit called Banana Woman. Miss Trinidad also danced to an Indian song.

A swimsuit segment was appropriately accompanied by live music from the Tropical Steel pan duo andthere was no question the segments winner; MS. Belize's dedication to her physical fitness gave her the clear advantage as she strutted the stage in her swimsuit provided by Ritchie Swimwear.

Next was the Evening wear segment and the ladies wore spectacular outfits, at this point it was clear that the judges would have their work cut out for them. The evenings entertainment, Jazz vocalist Joan Cartwright of Long Island, the Bahamas thrilled the audience and got them very much involved, especially two of the men from the audience. After a brief intermission and presentations by the sponsors Air Jamaica and others the five finalist were announced; Miss Jamaica, Miss Haiti, Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Belize and Miss Bahamas.

Each contestant was then given a question to answer, and they all spoke well. A bevy of other awards were presented, for Ms. Photogenic etc. and by the time host Dexter Rion finally got ready to announce the Queen the audience could no longer contain their excitment. The second runner up Ms. Haiti, runner-up Ms Bahamas and the first Miss Florida Caribbean, Miss Belize, Athena Lightburn who won a several prizes including a trip courtesy of Air Jamaica, the offical airline to Miss Florida Caribbean to Jamaica and St. Lucia for two, hotel accomadations courtesy of Hitlon Jamaica and a $1500 Scholarship. Athena will also be the cover girl for She Caribbean magazine, a St. Lucia based magazine catering to Caribbean women throughout the diaspora.

All of the 9 contestants represented their countries with immense pride, and in many settings. Their individual scenes displayed moments of national pride, beauty, and intelligence; all of which is abundant throughout the Caribbean. They interacted well with the crowd, who voted loudly and passionately along country lines (and who can blame them). Jazz and Blues Singer Joan Cartwright brought lots of warmth, charm, and humour to the event by making all men in attendance realize that we need to practice saying “baby baby” more often. Congratulations to the winner, Miss Belize, Athena Lightburn., as well as to the other 8 contestants, who at the end of the night proved that they were all winners. The well attended crowd left knowing that not only were they entertained on a mild late October evening, but they left impressed by 9 Caribbean ladies who will make a positive change in the world.

The first Miss Florida Caribbean 2001 Pageant left very positive impressions on everyone who was in attendance inside of Coral Springs Center for the Arts, in Coral Springs, Florida. First things first, it started on time. So eventually, what started out well, ended up a success. Hats off to Jannice Davis and Elite Entertainment Productions for a job well done; you’ve started something that’s sure to blossom!

We at Afiwi.com would like to thank Elite Entertainment Productions for recognizing the true benefits of showcasing their event to the entire world, and for utilizing the exclusive services of Afiwi.com to do so. The pictures speak for themselves. We wish you continued success and look forward to this relationship again next year.

To view profiles of the young ladies, now or any time in the future: enter their Names into our searchbox or enter "Miss and Country" name (for example enter "athena lightburn" or "Miss and Belize")