The vibrant spirit of Carnival has been officially ushered in with the unveiling of sponsors for the seven young women vying for the 2024 Queen of Carnival pageant.
On Thursday night, tourism and festivals officials, media, promoters, and various partner organizations gathered at the Hodges Bay Resort and Spa for what will become the first in months of activities leading to the culmination of the Greatest Summer Festival on August 6th.
As part of Thursday night’s festivities, seven delegates received their official sashes and met their sponsors.
They are: Delegate #1 Shakkia Carlos – Ms Arton Capital
Delegate #2 Desrie Markham, Ms Rawdon & Associates
Delegate #3 Kevinya Joseph, Ms Cool & Smooth
Delegate #4, Jamalyn Stevens, Ms Kennedys Club Ltd.
Delegate #5 Shania Samuel, Ms Liat 2020
Delegate #6 Dominique Trotman, Ms Antigua Port Authority
Delegate #7 Chandera Codrington, Ms Furniture Gallery.
The National Housing and Urban Renewal Development will return as title sponsors for the show slated for Sunday July 21 at Carnival City inside the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG).
Shermain Jeremy, Project Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, articulated the vision behind this year’s Carnival, emphasizing its role not only as a source of entertainment but also as a platform for cultural enrichment and unity.
The former Carnival Queen said: “We see a Carnival that not only entertains but also educates, showcasing the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. And above all we envision a Carnival that continues to inspire unity, inclusivity and celebration for generations to come.”
The sentiment was echoed by Festival Minister Daryll Matthew, who remarked, “Carnival just evokes that sense of pride, that energy in you when fete season starts”.
He highlighted the exciting lineup of events spanning an eight-month period, ranging from international cricket tournaments to the Carnival festivities.
“While we celebrate and we launch Carnival tonight, we have the small island states conference coming up, we have World Cup cricket, we have the international women’s cricket tournament, then we have Carnival, then we have CPL cricket, then we have Independence, then we have England doing the cricket tour again. So, there’s a packed eight-month agenda for Antigua and Barbuda,” Minister Matthew.
The schedule of events was also announced. Things kick off on July 20 with the Party Monarch semi-finals, with events each day all the way through to the last lap on August 6.
Despite the passing of soca artiste Ricardo Drue, Druesday has also remained a staple of the Carnival calendar of activities.