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Unique! Ravishing! Bold! Beautiful!

Ann Marie Ramrattan-Maharaj - Miss Penal (25 years), Karola Rajoo - Miss Princess Town (21 years), Elizabeth Daniels - Miss Port-of-Spain (19 years), Josanne Jack - Miss Diego Martin (27 years), Michelle Buabin - Miss Chaguanas (19 years), Agatha Jones - Miss St. Joseph (25 years), Sharlene Lindsay - Miss Bon Air Gardens Arouca (22 years) and Essie Amelia Parks - Miss Tobago (24 years) were the eight finalists in this years Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK 2008 Pageant held in London, at the Bloomsbury Theatre in Euston. It's the 6th annual competition which acknowledges different cultures of the multiethnic twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Hosting the show tonight is the ever famous and ever stylish Ms. Alafair Celestine, and co-Hosting was Smokey Joe. Two unique personalities on stage introducing the ladies and keeping the crowd abreast of what would be happening in tonight's pageant.

Carded to kick off at 7:15 pm, the patrons calmly strolled into the theatre to reception music by the Paddington Arts Steelband followed by the playing of our National Anthem sang by H20 Phlo. An introduction to the judges - Chandani Persaud (Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK 2006), Victoria Lenzoi Lee (Artist), Mateen Hepburn (Busspepper Promotions), Gloria Cummins (Flamboyan), Morris Aberdeen (Morris Roots), and James N Drummer (CEO Solar Green Tourism Ltd).

After a wonderful religious blessing by Miss Celestine - the opening number took off with dancing by Angela Warren & Robert Eugene with the design by Clary Salandy of Mahogany Community Ventures Ltd. Spectacular performances were executed by the delegates as they put on this interesting opening number. Following this was the opportunity for each delegate to introduce themselves and tell the crowd a composition about where they were representing. Most memorable performances were Miss Penal who chose a letter from her grand mother returning from England to settle in Penal which embodies a strong and vivid description of Penal in 2008. Miss Diego Martin executing with precision a synopsis of a Diego Martin taxi driver with an English tourist in his vehicle as he shows her around Diego Martin and finally Miss Bon Air Gardens Arouca who sang an extempo simply because her neighbour is the infamous Sugar Aloes.

After a brief speech about the sponsors for the night the delegates took the stage with a wonderful presentation of the beach wear segment. All beach outfits were sponsored by Inn Collection. A short performance by the R&B sensation group H2O Phlo was up next who put on a performance singing "A Little Closer" combining the crowd singing as well as putting on some choreographed moves on stage. Great performance fellahs ... TJJ supports you all the way! The costume segment of the pageant was up next with costumes all being provided by Next Level PoisonUK! We felt a little nostalgia for Carnival ... as Notting Hill Carnival was just four weeks ago ... who say fabulous! Some more entertainment followed being provided by Jade Evans and a special song performance of "Fields of Gold" by Kristy Nichol.

A fabulous parade of women followed after with music by local DJ Soca P - the ladies strutted their stuff on the stage with dresses of colour such as red, black, sky blue, deep purple or even beige with different styles off the shoulder, strapless, flowing by the ankles, flowing on the floor ... immaculate collections sponsored by one of the following Judy's San Fernando Trinidad, Elegance/Karola, Sharlene Ritchie, Best Look, Xscape, Deborah Monae and Just My Size Trinidad & Tobago. One must commend, one of the delegates who designed her own gown - Miss Diego Martin. H2O Phlo returned on stage for this segment and personally serenaded the delegates with a very personal and intimate performance from dancing with the delegates, going down on one knee, holding a hand, kissing a hand ... these fellahs are cool tests ... great performance H20 Phlo!

At this point five (5) contestants were chosen out of the eight (8). The lucky beautiful young ladies chosen were: Miss Tobago, Miss Arouca, Miss Penal, Miss Princess Town, Miss Chaguanas.

It was time for the questions that would display the general knowledge personality and eloquence of the contestants. Some of the ladies were understandably nervous and their answers to the questions illustrated this. Miss Penal fell as a result of this. Of the five, most notably Miss Arouca and Miss Tobago stood out with answers that were well organized, calm in their response, articulate in nature and built a rapport with the audience.

While the judges tallied their scores we were entertained by the very energetic Paddington Arts Group, predominantly made up of teenagers, they kept the vibe flowing. The arduous task of counting scores took longer than expected but this gave us an opportunity to see the past contestant winners, the KIND raffle was drawn, with over 20 prizes given out on the night and a number of awards were distributed to individuals who had made significant contributions to the Carivog UK over the years.

As a sponsor and avid supporter of Miss TnT UK pageant over the years, it was only fitting that Wendell Clement, businessman and mas producer of Next Level PoisonUK received an award of appreciation for his assistance. Also notably recognised was Rebel, who is part of the Miss TnT UK organizing committee. He has always played an important part in taking the girls to various assignments acting as guardian and chaperon for most events.

Finally the scores were tallied and it was the moment everyone was waiting for... there could only be one Miss TnT UK 2008, however the efforts of all did not go unnoticed. And the awards were:

• Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK Website Queen (internet voting): Essie Amelia Parks - Miss Tobago
• Miss Elegance: Michelle Buabin - Miss Chaguanas
• Miss Photogenic: Michelle Buabin - Miss Chaguanas
• Miss Personality: Karola Rajoo - Miss Princess Town
• Miss Amity: Sharlene Lindsay - Miss Bon Air Gardens Arouca
• Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK Carivog Model International: Michelle Buabin - Miss Chaguanas
• Best Project: Ann Marie Ramrattan-Maharaj - Miss Penal

Based on the responses from the final round of questioning there was no surprise that the final winners were:

• 2nd Runner-Up Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2008 - Miss Princess Town, Karola Rajoo
• 1st Runner-Up Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2008 - Miss Bon Air Gardens, Sharlene Lindsay
• Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2008 - Miss Tobago, Essie Amelia Parks

Cheers and wild celebrations by the crowd confirmed their satisfaction with the results. Many gathered at the front of the stage to congratulate the contestants on their notable achievements and to take pictures with them. In all, it was a well produced show. There are a number of small improvements to be made, but it has the potential to reach a truly international standard.

My appreciation goes out to H20 Phlo who brought an exceptional touch of class, creative and entertainment to the event. I'm looking forward to next years Miss TnT UK pageant; Congrats to Miss Tobago Essie Parks, on a well deserved result.

Amiel & Benji for the TJJ fam

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Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2007