(Photo courtesy Larry Stott)
Fedalia Richardson’s expression said it all. She was at a loss for words. The popular young calypsonian was not being given another calypso title, but rather being crowned Ms. Anguilla 2014.
Fedalia is not a stranger to the stage by any stretch of the imagination, however the 23 year old beauty is locally famous for her calypsos and powerful vocals on tracks with soca powerhouse Pantha Vibes International (PVI).
After two junior calypso crowns (2007, 2008), two female calypso crowns (2011, 2012), two road march titles (2010, 2011) and a Senior Calypso Monarch crown (2012) it may be easy to overlook her Ms. Anguilla title as just another victory for this uber talented and hard working lady. What makes this victory special, however, is the fact this title ushers her into the history books as the first person to have won both a Senior Calypso Crown and the title of Ms. Anguilla. Both titles are viewed in many circles as the pinnacle of the carnival and cultural hierarchy.
Though she is elated to be Ms. Anguilla, Richardson is quick to note that her journey was not paved solely with victories. Her attempts to capture titles in the Prince and Princess and Ms. Talented Teen were both unsuccessful. She advises that “the key is not to give up. Keep moving forward and working harder.”
In the coming months Richardson plans to be a stellar representative for the island. “I would like to make it a point of focus to represent Anguilla exceptionally throughout the region.” Additionally, after taking a break to prepare for this year’s pageant, she plans to continue her summer calypso workshop series for young calypsonians, an initiative which she launched in 2011.
These things coupled with Richardson’s full time schedule as an undergraduate student at Georgia Southern University will ensure that our Miss Anguilla will have quite the busy reign. May her reign be a success!
