D'shnay Mathew York crowned queen in Saba

St. Maarten’s D’shnay Mathew York was crowned queen at the first-ever Miss Dutch Caribbean Islands Pageant held in Saba Thursday night. She also took home the titles for Best Talent, Best Question- and-Answer and Miss Photogenic, writes The Daily Herald.

First runner-up Charvella Wilson, who represented Saba, won in the categories Best Introduction Speech, Miss Popularity and Best Evening Wear.

St. Eustatius’ Shanettie Carty claimed the second runner-up position, while Aruba’s Janirey Severino was the third runner-up and won the sash for Miss Amity.

Curaçao’s contestant Jurnalis Henson won in the category Best Cultural Wear. Bonaire’s contestant Radira Alberto won Best Swimwear.

This first-ever Miss Dutch Caribbean Islands Pageant saw an influx of visitors to Saba from all six islands of the Dutch Caribbean. St. Eustatius had a delegation travel by boat to Saba and back to Statia in the early hours of Friday morning, to witness this historic event.

The contestants had arrived in Saba on Tuesday and were treated to tours of the island and opportunities for meet and greet with the local community.

During the pageant, the ladies were questioned on ways how they could, in their positions, strengthen the bond between the six islands, despite their individual boundaries. This was also the aim of this pageant: bringing the six islands together to celebrate Saba’s 40th Carnival anniversary.

The festivities continue today, Saturday, with the first round of the Grand Parade and continue on Sunday with the Second Parade and conclusion of the 2015 Carnival season.