St. Lucia’s culture and creativity are on display at the Miss World Pageant being held in Puerto Rico.
Among the side events for Miss World 2021 are an International Library featuring literature, as well as an international auction featuring fine art from the home countries of the 120 Contestants.
The Cultural Development Foundation worked closely with the Events Company St. Lucia Inc. (ECSL) in ensuring that Saint Lucia features prominently in these two events. CDF commissioned a bronze sculpture from acclaimed St. Lucian Sculptor – Jallim Eudovic, for the international auction.
The bronze sculpture depicts a rural St. Lucian woman with a pail of water perfectly balanced on her head, while holding on to her child. It’s emblematic of the delicate balance that needs to be struck between family and work life, and portrays the central role of the woman in the Caribbean and global family. Although the mother is busy with work, she gives due attention to her child. This encapsulates the eternal relationship between mother and child.
The charity auction was held on Monday December 13th, 2021 as part of a very special Beauty with a Purpose Gala Dinner held at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
For the Miss World International Library, CDF has contributed a small sample of books by local authors. Including The Fairest Isle – an award-winning book by Dawn French, A History of St. Lucia by Jolien Harmsen, Guy Ellis and Robert Devaux, and The Secret Treasures of Saint Lucia by Sara Grant.
The island’s culture will take centre-stage with Miss Saint Lucia’s portrayal of Vive La Rose! Vive La Marguerite! The costume, designed by Sharleen Lagon, evokes the regal essense and sophistry of the island’s rival flower festivals. It was inspired by the original floral design of the ‘Jipe’, a traditional ensemble worn by St. Lucian women as an ode to the culture.
Ahead of the grand Miss World Finals on December 16, Miss Saint Lucia, Tyler Theophane, will be engaged in competition in various categories including Beauty with a Purpose, Head-to-Head Interview, Top Model, Talent, Multimedia, and Sports. Contestants will compete in all these categories. Head-to-Head and Multimedia are based on public voting. All other categories are based on judges scores