On Sunday, November 17, Anguilla’s well-known female calypsonian, Rebecca Webster, made a successful appearance on stage in Trinidad in a different capacity – as a competitor in the Miss Plus Caribbean Universe competition. She competed against seven contestants from across the Caribbean, and from North and South America, placing second to Suriname.
A press release issued to The Anguillian stated that the show was held at the Cascade Hotel and Conference Centre and included competitors from Antigua, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and the United States. Each contestant made an appearance in the six segments of the show. The segments were speech, costume, swimsuit, talent, evening wear and interview. Ms Webster was chaperoned by Ms Shellya Rogers and trained by Kerith Kentish.
The press release continued: “A former Miss Talented Teen and Calypso Monarch in Anguilla, Ms Webster is no stranger to the stage. She has competed locally and regionally in many competitions and has been consistently successful. Her most recent appearance is quite extraordinary as she was required to step out of her calypso comfort zone into swim suit, costume and evening wear.”
When asked why she entered the pageant and how was her experience, Ms Webster had this to say:
“’I’m not an averaged size woman but this has never deterred me from making solid contributions to culture, women and youth in Anguilla, and though I’ve been criticised and ridiculed by many, I still have an overwhelming desire to push forward. When this opportunity presented itself I was both sceptical and nervous but, after much encouragement from family and friends, I took a bold step with the aim of making a bold statement. I wanted to use this pageant to empower plus-size women all over the world. It is very important for these women to be inspired, to be encouraged and to be themselves.
“’Miss Plus Caribbean Universe was definitely the experience of a lifetime. I met new friends, gained a whole new level of confidence and achieved a milestone I never expected. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team of trainers – Kerith Kentish and Shellya Rogers – for their hard work and dedication. I would also like to express sincere gratitude to my extraordinary family and friends whose support was above and beyond my expectations. I felt as though they were all in Trinidad with me. ‘Thanks a million.’
“Congratulations to Ms Webster on yet another achievement. You are truly a Queen B.”
