Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced additional prizes and opportunities for contestants in this year’s Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Queen Pageant, including a laptop for the best talent performance and the prospect of a board appointment for one participant.
The announcement came during the Browne and Browne programme, where the contestants appeared to introduce themselves, outline their community projects and promote the May 2 event.
Browne said the contestant with the top talent segment would receive a laptop, adding to an already structured prize package for the competition.
He also indicated that the pageant would serve as a pathway for leadership development, with one contestant to be considered for appointment to a statutory board, aligning with his administration’s push to involve more young people in governance.
The programme featured a series of introductions from the contestants, who are largely young women between the ages of 18 and 24. They spoke about their academic pursuits, entrepreneurial efforts and personal interests, with several highlighting involvement in areas such as nursing, law, business and the creative arts.
Many used the platform to outline community-focused initiatives, including projects centred on youth development, mental health awareness and the promotion of arts and culture.
The contestants also promoted their talent segments, which include performances in dance, drama and music, and invited the public to attend the show.
The pageant, organised as part of Labour Party activities, will be held at the American University of Antigua, with tickets priced at $30.
During the broadcast, hosts described the contestants as a group of “young, intelligent, dynamic” individuals and positioned the event as both a showcase of talent and a platform for youth engagement.
Browne linked the competition to broader efforts to nurture young leaders, noting that opportunities such as board appointments are intended to give participants exposure to decision-making roles and public service.
The event forms part of a wider schedule of activities leading up to the general election, including concerts and campaign engagements across the country.