FOUR YEARS AGO when Roslyn Hurley, Special Envoy for persons with Disabilities, conceptualised the Shine Like A Diamond pageant, she knew that it was the right tool to unearth the talent and potential of differently abled young men and women.
After the pageant’s second staging, which saw Danielle Thomas and Paul Carrington capture the queen and king titles, Hurley said her greatest joy was seeing them blossom and learn to command the stage, having started out shy and timid.
Last Sunday night at the Hilton Barbados resort the nine contestants sang, danced and gave dramatic presentations after weeks of rigorous practice with creative director Arlette Williams.
Hurley stressed that she wanted the pageant to be as professional as possible and the contestants had to put in the necessary work.
On the night, the ladies paraded in dazzling gowns while the gents’ suits were impressive.
The much anticipated talent segment did not disappoint and included wheelchair dancing, mime and song. However, the highlight was Thomas’ highly energetic dance routine to Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Really Care About Us, which earned her the title of Best Talent.
The first runner up in the females was Delicia Boyce who also won Best Formal Wear and Most Improved female, while Lasonta Neblett was third.
Christopher Gilkes was second among the males while Seth Elcock placed third.
The full list of contestants: Abdu St Clair, Lasonta Neblett, Danielle Thomas, Kimberly Puckering, Delicia Boyce, Shanice Straughn, Seth Elcock, Paul Carrington and Christopher Gilkes.