It is usually said that music and sports bring people together, but pageantry can now be added to that marvelous mix as Anguillians near and far rallied their support behind Anguillian Ms Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, Miss Universe Great Britain.
In Anguilla, on Sunday 16th December, all eyes were glued to the television screens, phones, tablets and other devices to watch an Anguillian, for the very time, grace the international stage for Miss Universe held in Thailand.
Families and even some business entities held a special gathering, similar to a Super Bowl celebration, to watch the young and graceful Ms Kentish-Rogers.
Although Dee-Ann was not crowned Ms Universe, out of a field of 94 contestants she made it to the top 20. She is the first black woman to capture the title of Ms Universe Great Britain and certainly the first Anguillian. This was indeed a historic and proud moment for the island to see one of their very own on an international stage.
Ms Kentish-Rogers has certainly paved the way for future Ms Anguilla contestants to walk in her footsteps. She is a trailblazer and is the epitome of grace and beauty. In the lead up to the Ms Universe pageant, Dee-Ann, along with the other contestants, competed in national costume, swim wear and evening wear.
Dressed in a beautiful orange gown, Dee-Ann looked regal and well poised. On her Instagram page she said orange meant a lot to her because it’s a colour in the Anguilla flag. It’s a colour for the charity “Sisterhood” that she has worked with – that raises funds and awareness for women who are victims of acid attacks and female genital mutilation. And it’s a colour that she feels brightest in.
Dee-Ann’s presence on the world stage has certainly warmed the hearts and brightened the faces of many Anguillians to know that one of their very own has represented both Great Britain and Anguilla on the world stage. Congratulations Dee-Ann! Anguilla salutes you!
