ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The hard work paid off for Team Montserrat when Miss Sharissa Ryan was crowned the 2015 Jaycees Queen at Carnival City on Sunday, July 26, 2015.
Observer Radio commentators said consistency was key to Sharissa Ryan coming out ahead of 10 other contestants to win the crown. Ryan won the best talent segment with an outstanding performance on violin. It garnered her an ovation from the majority of the audience.
This is the first win for Montserrat in the 54 years of the pageant, which is held as part of the annual Antigua & Barbuda Carnival.
Miss Montserrat’s opening costume depicted the island’s national bird the Oriole and was designed by Chadd Cumberbatch.
The commentary team felt she carried her gown called Black Diamonds well in the evening wear segment and gave an outstanding performance in the talent segment. Her playing of the violin stood out as everyone else sang, performed monologues or danced. Veteran Radio and Television host Dave Payne had his eye on Miss Montserrat all night and picked her as a favourite to win over hometown favourite Misss Antigua & Barbuda.
Montserratians on island and abroad shared feedback on social media about the show which ran almost just under four hours. The excitement was palpable when Sharissa was called first in the Top Five and her confident answer in a tough interview segment provided more proof that her chances to win was even better.
Making it into the top five were: Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica.
The final winners are:
Interview Segment – Miss Dominica
Evening Wear segment won by Miss Antigua & Barbuda
Best Talent – Miss Montserrat
Best Swimsuit – Miss Barbados
2nd runner up – Miss Dominica Odessa Eli
1st runner up – Miss Antigua & Barbuda – Asha Frank
Winner of the 54th Jaycees Queen Show – Miss Montserrat – Sharissa Ryan
Next up for Sharissa is the Caribbean Culture Pageant in Nevis on Sunday, August 2, 2015.
Sharissa is supported by her brand manager and sister Coretta Ryan, chaperone Penny Maloney and sponsored by Tradewinds Montserrat. Additional support provided by the Montserrat Arts Council.
Photos used are courtesy: Kaemon Derrick of Antigua Observer and Rogers Radio Caribbean
