EE chooses young festival queen

When it comes to showcasing Cayman culture, originality and creativity East End people are among the best. 

A silver thatch outfit complete with thatch bag, fan, bracelet and head piece designed by East End artisan Carmen Connolly represented the winning number for petite Kasey Bodden, 12. 

Ms Bodden was crowned the winner from among six other contestants also wearing original costumes chosen by the young ladies and assisted with the designs by East End artisans Ms Conolly, Edney McLean and Barbara (Christian) Gee. 

The East End Festival Queen event was held at the East End Primary School Hall last Saturday night. 

The costumes were outstanding and East End attendees did not hold back when it came to applauding.  

Each contestant was graded on originality, use of natural products, style, culture, colour coordination and creativity.  

“The costume competition was the first for East End, but it was a success and the young people performed excellent,” said Alvin McLaughlin, chair of the East End Pirates Week Committee. “The Committee and the young ladies did a fantastic job and we had a good turn out from the East End community.” 

“The costumes were creative and all the contestants looked beautiful,” he said. “We are looking forward to designing an original costume to be entered into the Pirates Week Festival, which will be worn by Ms Bodden. I think she is the youngest participant in the ring, but they will have to come good with the costume we are designing to take her out. The other young ladies who participated in the competition will be encouraged to join the float wearing the costumes they assisted in designing so that others in the community will get an opportunity to see them and the talents of East End residents.” 

Committee member Delmira Bodden, who assisted in organising the event, said she was proud of the talent and creativity of the young ladies and also the designers. “With only three weeks to prepare for the event, everyone did an excellent job,” she said.  

Mrs. Bodden said the proceeds from the event will go to develop school students. 

Ms (Christian) Gee said working with the young ladies to design the costumes was the most fun she had in years.  

“The young ladies were wonderful to work with and with only three weeks to get the costumes ready, we pulled it off,” she said. 

Costumes on display were a “coconut tree” worn by Tamika Rankine; a parrot costume worn by Japhia Augustine, winning first and second place. The starfish, Kianna Rankin; banana orchid, Delani Augustine; turtle, Cassandra Wallace and a parrot fish costume worn by LaToya Lightbody. 

Residents attending the event also got the opportunity to hear from other talented East End performers such as Alan Ebanks and Elaine Rankin, singers Renard Conolly, Floyd Bodden and Barbara (Christian) Gee.