2024 St. Thomas Carnival Crowns New Royalty: Keemayah Ford, Jazmine Samuel, and Ne’keya Fraser

This past Saturday, the St. Thomas Carnival stage sparkled with talent and creativity as seven young contestants vied for the coveted titles of Petite Princess, Carnival Princess, and Junior Miss in a pageant filled with culture, couture, and charisma.

The evening kicked off with the youngest contestants, five-year-old Keemayah Ford and Nahkiya Jeffers, charming the audience with their vibrant costumes and thematic portrayals linked to the Carnival’s spirit. Ford, adorned in a pink and white majorette ensemble, and Jeffers, in a carousel costume rich with cultural imagery, set a high standard for the night.

The competition intensified as contestants like Amiah Motta and Kaysiah Charleswell showcased their unique interpretations of Virgin Islands culture through fashion, with Motta donning a chef’s uniform trimmed in madras to honor local cuisine, and Charleswell, dressed as a flight attendant, inviting the audience to fly with “VI Nice” airlines.

Jazmine Samuel captivated spectators by seamlessly shifting characters, engaging in a dynamic two-sided dialogue, enhancing her performance with rapid costume and voice changes. In the Junior Miss category, Ne’keyah Fraser innovatively portrayed an AI GPS computer, promising to navigate attendees through the best of Carnival 2024, while D’nae Todman embraced her role as a cultural culinary guru.

The event’s creative segments were nothing short of theatrical, with contestants transforming their outfits onstage to represent themes ranging from candy couture to career-focused attire. Samuel’s quick-change abilities shone brightly as her outfit morphed from gummy bears to cupcakes and finally to a stunning tiered lollipop dress.

In tribute to local icons and cultural narratives, the contestants adorned their outfits with elements that spoke to the Virgin Islands’ rich heritage. Ne’keya Fraser paid homage to Helen Sebastien Gabriel, a matriarch in the local baton twirling community, by transitioning from a contemporary outfit to a traditional majorette costume.

The talent portion of the evening revealed the depth of the contestants’ skills, from musical performances inspired by local legends to dramatic representations of personal and cultural stories.

As the event neared its conclusion, the formalwear segment displayed elegance and sophistication, with each contestant sharing personal stories through their garment choices, enhancing the emotional impact of their presentations.

After nearly seven hours of performances, the judges crowned Keemayah Ford as Petite Princess, Jazmine Samuel as Carnival Princess, and Ne’keya Fraser as Jr. Miss, each embodying the spirit and promise of the Virgin Islands’ vibrant culture.

This year’s pageant not only celebrated the talents and potential of its participants but also underscored the enduring cultural richness of the St. Thomas Carnival, promising a bright future for its newest royals.