Welcome!
The Miss Caribbean U.S. pageant is a yearly event that seeks to highlight the talent, beauty and diversity of the Caribbean diaspora within the United States.
The pageant has grown into a much anticipated community affair which rallies organizations, sponsors and individuals around the ideals of Caribbean progress and unity.
The pageant provides a platform for goal-oriented, 21st century Caribbean women to advance the causes of the West Indian communities in the United States of America, by acting as ambassadors of excellence in their various pursuits.
Miss
US Virgin Islands
U.S.A.
Venezuela
Bahamas
Nevis
Miss Nevis
Kyle O’Garro-Moore was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was raised there during her formative years, but later moved to Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She is the youngest of four children and has a twin brother, Jared. She recalls her younger self, being part of a rambunctious trio that included herself, Jared, and her older brother Andre’. Kyle truly adores her family and believes the West Indian heritage plays a big part in that. She describes her family as collectivist, always looking out for one another and supporting each other in their individual endeavors.
Throughout college, at Saint Joseph’s University, Kyle wanted to pursue a career in psychology, but quickly found that was no longer her calling. Her true passion is working towards the betterment of vulnerable populations. Prior to graduating in spring 2010 from Saint Joseph’s, Northwestern Human Services (NHS) hired her as a Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS). She was responsible for decreasing target behaviors in children with mental and developmental disabilities by means of behavioral therapy. It was very rewarding because her clients all significantly improved. After working at NHS for almost eight months, she was relocated to the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center, where she currently works as a Housing Stabilization Specialist. As a Housing Specialist, she works through a program called Rapid Re-Housing, which was put in place by President Obama to subsidize housing for the homeless population of the United States. It is a yearlong subsidy program. Her duties include: interviewing homeless veterans, assisting them in apartment searches, and assisting them in finding resources to help them stabilize their rent after our program is over. Social Work is something Kyle have been interested in for quite a while, but only recently worked within the field. She is currently applying to graduate schools for Social Work so that she will be able to help these populations more efficiently.
Miss Venezuela
Netu Goberdhan is an 18-year-old recent graduate from Thomas A. Edison Career/Technical High School, where she was certified in Graphic and Web design. She is currently attending Touro College. She has received many scholarships towards pursuing her goals to becoming an occupational therapist. Netu shows her passion for her major by spending most of her free time volunteering in hospitals and helping others to become independent.
In the past, she has participated in dancing khattak, filmy, and classical. She also continues to model on her time away from school. The faculty, where she currently volunteers, acknowledged her for her hard work and dedication. While in high school she participated in Student Council, Glamour Gals, Edison Spirit Club (Prom, Senior and Yearbook committee), Teens at Service, Global Outreach Club and was also a part of the National Honor Society. Netu was taught to never limit herself of anything. She says, “My parents were not able to complete their education because they were not wealthy. Well that is not the excuse in America,” she says, “There are so many opportunities.”
Netu has also been an inspiration to her peers. She has participated in a speech contest at Touro College and was even presented with an award from the Department of Speech & Communication. She remains to be an honor student who is highly motivated by her parents. Netu has been placed on Touro College Dean’s List and has also been presented with an award for her achievements. Netu has great potential that will take her very far in her life.
Miss US Virgin Islands
Temisha Khamiliah Viola Libert is a 23 year old Chemistry major attending the prestigious University of the Virgin Islands. She is also a Surgeon Assistant specializing in laparoscopic and general surgery, the 2009 Miss Virgin Islands Idol, 2008 Miss Atlanta Caribbean, founder of "Gifted Hands," TV Host for TV2 and shooting guard for the UVI Bucs. In her spare time, she enjoys promoting her platform at numerous schools and the community, spending time with her family, traveling, playing numerous sports, modeling, acting and spare fishing. She sees herself as a woman of perseverance, who is dedicated and supportive to her family, friends and love ones.
She states that God has blessed her in so many ways and that although she has moved away from home, the Virgin Islands is the place that she has built a strong and growing foundation. She has felt like giving up on pageants in the past, but just like any mentor, she has a message that needs to be heard. Temisha states that if she can be able to reach out to the youths and the community on a larger scale with this title, she would be so elated. She also believes that the Miss Caribbean US Pageant gives young women the opportunity to stand up, to never settle for less and to strive for more greatness. “Our message is to implements ways of making a difference through advocacy, Caribbean unity and empowers young women, their communities and the citizens within it to be an ambassador of change” – all that Temisha aims and hopes to be. What she does with her spare time is a passion and this is why she has taken on the arduous task of vying for the title of Miss Caribbean US.
Miss USA
Dara Alina Gadsden is a force of nature. This Brooklyn raised, vibrant dancer, singer, musician and actress began performing at the young age of five. Upon being classically trained at some of the world renowned performing arts institutions, she decided to pursue a Bachelors' degree in both Dance and Sociology.
Some of her performance and production credits include Dance Africa, Charles Moore Dance Theater, Dance Theater of Harlem and many productions and performance arts companies in this country. Some of her inspirations are God, Josephine Baker, Michael Jackson, Lena Horne, her heritage, which consists of Caribbean, Latin and African-American descent and most of all her mother Carrie. Dara has a passion to giving back to her community. With her passion for the performing and visual arts, Dara has decided to explore the world of becoming a Plus Size Model. With many of her talents she has introduced to the field a new perspective of beauty
Miss Bahamas
Janice Smith is 26 years old and was born in Nassau, Bahamas. She attended North Middle School and she participated in the dance team, the drama club, cheerleading, and volleyball which kept her busy and happy. For her high school years, she studied design and architecture and in her senior high school she studied fashion design which she enjoyed. Janice is a very talented dancer, artist (draining/painting), fashion designer, and hair/make-up artist. Janice states she has a funny/friendly personality, she loves making people laugh, and she loves to have a good time with her family friends…and she also loves to wear heels!
Miss Guyana
Chandanie Arjun was born and raised in Guyana. She graduated from Thomas A. Edison Vocation and Career High School and is currently attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her major is forensic psychology but she also minors in theater arts because her real passion lies in modeling, dancing, singing, and acting. Currently, she resides in New York where she is working to achieve all her goals, one step at a time.
Chandanie Arjun has always been an active member in her community. In Guyana, she modeled, sang, and acted in school and for her temple. In 2010 Chandanie participated in the Diwali Queen pageant. Although Chandanie enjoys performing, she also loves helping people in need. In her spare time, Chandanie interns at Elmhurst Hospital tutoring mentally challenged children and adolescents.
Her hobbies include listening to music, interviewing famous artists, making professional music videos, traveling, and playing all kind of sports. Chandanie has partaken in many sports related activities, including the bowling team, softball team, and the USA Martial Arts Academy. In 2008, her outstanding athleticism led her to set an unbroken record at her high school for push-up, pull-ups, long jump, and sit-ups.
Miss St. Lucia
Ivana L. Drakes is a second generation from the nine year “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” location in the world, Saint Lucia. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Ivana attended Adventist schools till she went on to college. She recently completed her Bachelors of Arts from Temple University majoring in Communications and was also a former member of SOCA: Student Organization of Caribbean Awareness, HANDS: Having Ambition N’ Devotion for Service, and 2009 Leader Shape graduate receiving the “Most Eccentric” award. Still aspiring to be a commercial model, she is currently blogging, networking and using her Communications skills to land her dream job as a Field Reporter and Radio Personality.
Both her parents are from beautiful island of St. Lucia and she is the youngest and only girl of three siblings. She is a proud owner of a beautiful Pomeranian pooch, Barbie. She enjoys shopping, community service, recreational activities, jogging, traveling to different cities (especially for Carnival), and planting flowers and vegetables in her garden with her parents.
She enjoys traveling back and forth from New York and Pennsylvania to work on community service and attend annual walks, while spending time with her friends and fellow alumni. Ivana has previously taken part in Temple University’s 3rd Annual Miss Caribbean Queen in 2008. She has appeared in SEVENTEEN Magazine for three consecutive years as “Ms. Curvy Booty.” Ivana has also walked in fashion shows held at F.I.T. and many other local venues in and around New York City. She is also a walking example of “natural haired” beauty and her vision is to see all races in television and magazines in their natural state with less physical and graphic modification.
Ivana has been knocked down continuously with job offers and the hardship of the entertainment industry. But she still decides to continue blooming in her kindness towards others, her amazing personality, and love for the West Indian culture. She is blessed and highly favored.
Miss Turks & Caicos
Latrice Jackson is an award winning visual artist, born and raised in Miami Florida. She is a distinguished full scholar recipient of the prestigious Cooper Union School for Advancement in Science and Art in New York City, where she obtained her Bachelors in Fine Arts. Through her professional Art practice, Latrice has worked as Lead Production Designer and Art Director for many media projects in both the New York City and Miami area. She is a published painting illustrator that is making her mark all over the United States with solo exhibitions featured at the Carnegie Hall in NYC, The Mayors Mansion in Tallahassee, Florida and the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, DC. Along with her success, Latrice makes sure to give back to her community by working with young adults guiding them through challenges they face in maintaining a disciplined and productive life, emerging as leading, creators and innovators in society. Latrice is a passionate arts advocate and activist who dedicate her life’s work to preserving her cultures history through her artistic expressions.
Latrice is currently in residency with the BRIC Rotunda Gallery with Bric Arts Media. She has her own non- profit organization that implements ARTS education into high needs schools to sustain her efforts in developing youths self awareness, critical thinking skills as well as reading and writing compression skills through ARTS education. She aims to educate the world of her culture’s contribution, feminist issues surrounding the modern day woman and documenting her personal experiences in hopes to inspire future generations to think outside of the box, work diligently and follow their dreams.
Miss Grenada
Nicollette Cadore is an 18-year-old who recently graduated from Medgar Evers College Preparatory High School. While in high school she challenged herself by taking a psychology college course and advanced placement classes such as Spanish, English, and Government. She is looking forward to attending York College in Fall 2011, majoring in Biology in hopes of achieving her future goals which are acquiring a PHD and becoming a dermatologist in a private practice. To keep her head in the right path on her way to college, Nicollette volunteered at Kings County Hospital where she helped nurses service patients and ran errands when needed. Keeping herself active, she was also a member of the track team in high school, a dancer for a marching band, and a member of the student government organization. On the road of life Nicollette believes that it’s all about trying her best in whatever she pursues and creating herself.
Miss Haiti
Sergine Citerme was born on February 14, 1988 in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised there for a period of time and now resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the only child to a mother, who natured her into an endearing and distinct woman. She graduated H.S and is attending Community College of Philadelphia. As lead supervisor for children to a nonprofit organization, she displays charismatic and reliable characteristics. Sergine exudes confidence as well as staying humble.
Haitian culture was the foundation of her upbringing. She grew up to respect and value her peers and most importantly her elders. Sergine has strong principles as well as dynamic and magnetic energy. She's very personable and active amongst her friends. Sergine is a lover of wonderful music, delicious food and great company. :-)
Miss Trinidad & Tobago
Monique McNicol was born in Queens, New York but by the time she was six weeks old, she went to live with her grandparents in Trinidad. The move was only temporary, while both her mother and father finished their post-graduate degrees. She moved back to New York at age seven and lived in Long Island, NY. She attended an all girls’ school for high school and later obtained a Bachelors degree in Accounting and Finance. She is currently a first year law student. Monique loves to travel, dance ballet, read, write poetry, and swim.
Miss Dominica
Nelisa Smith was born on January 3rd 1984 on the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, Dominica. After residing on the island for 17 years, she migrated to the U.S in 2001. As a young child, Nelisa was interested in participating in pageants. She was crowned Miss Dominica /USA in 2006 and was also a participant in the Madame Wob Dwiyet pageant in 2009.
Education has always played an important role in Nelisa’s life. In June of this year, she will graduate from Kingsborough Community College, with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. Her dedication to academics has awarded her a partial scholarship to Pace University, where she plans on furthering her education to receive a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. In the future, Nelisa would like to become a lawyer or detective.
Nelisa describes herself as a leader and go-getter. She enjoys playing an active role in her community and helping those in need. She takes pride in accomplishing her goals, taking up daunting tasks, and being a problem solver. Showcasing exuberance, confidence and intelligence, Nelisa believes she is the best candidate to represent Dominica in the Miss Caribbean 2011 pageant. She feels she is a patriotic Dominican, who participates in events to preserve and promote Dominica’s culture. She is adept in the biography of her country and is ready to introduce Dominica to the world.
Miss Jamaica
Shantel Hamilton was born July 23, 1988 in the Caribbean island of Jamaica, but from the age of 2 she was raised in the US and resides in the city of Philadelphia. She originally attended Peirce College and majored in Information Technology, but Shantel has since changed her career path and is now studying to become a nurse. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and learning more about her culture, as well as other cultures. Shantel finds herself to be a fun loving, light hearted person, who enjoys entertaining people whether it’s fashion-wise or just making them laugh. On her down time, Shantel enjoys reading books of various genres, listening to music, working out, or attending church services.
Miss St. Vincent
Brooklyn native Tijashn Nichols makes modeling look effortless doing two to three shows or photo shoots every week. Tijashn was born fourth out of eight children, four of which are in the same trade. Tijashn began modeling during her junior year at Williamsburg Charter High School. Born Tijashn Chienne Nichols on December 27, 1991, and raised in her inherited culture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; this charismatic nineteen year old is one of the most sought-after models in the urban fashion circuit.
Tijashn was the first model selected for the International Health Promotion Campaign for Autism Awareness titled, “The Beauty in Autism.” This campaign consists of billboard posters and public service announcements which feature selected Designers and Models that use beauty and fashion to inform the world about Autism. She has been awarded a national makeup campaign with Dream Kosmetics and was featured on the January/February 2011 cover of Intense Magazine. Tijashn has been featured in hundreds of runway shows including: FAX Fashion Show, Rosary Fashion Show, Brooklyn Fashion Week and CUNY City College Fashion Show, just to mention a few.
In January of 2011 Tijashn added full-time college student to her resume. She is currently attending City University of New York: Medgar Evers College and will major in nursing. With the amount of determination Tijashn possesses there is no doubt she will have a very promising career in modeling and anything else she sets her mind to.
Grenada
Guyana
St. Lucia
Turks & Caicos
Jamaica
Trinidad & Tobago
St. Vincent
Dominica
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