Alayah Watley, Khari Newton, and Marley Robinson: New Royalty of Crucian Christmas Festival

The Crucian Christmas Festival Village burst into a vibrant celebration of culture and youth on Tuesday, with the crowning of its new carnival royalty – encompassing roles of Prince, Princess, Duchess, Duke, and Jr. Miss.

The event commenced with the young contestants delivering their introductory speeches, setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated question and answer round. In the Jr. Miss category, 17-year-old Jayla Newton and Alayah Watley showcased their eloquence and spontaneity. Newton highlighted the challenges of technology-related bullying, emphasizing its impact on mental health. Watley, on the other hand, focused on the issue of violence among her peers.

The Duke category featured five-year-old Khari Newton from Eulalie Rivera Elementary School, who charmingly spoke about his snack-giving favorite teacher. Ray Anthony Brown, a Claude O. Markoe Elementary School student, praised his teacher for the challenging work that aids academic achievement.

Duchess contestant Marley Robinson expressed admiration for her helpful teacher at Ricardo Richards Elementary School. Seven-year-old Re’khia Peterson and Jaelyn Rodriguez, from St. Patrick’s Catholic School, also shared their appreciation for their teachers, highlighting the positive impact on their learning experiences.

The audience was then treated to a musical interlude, with performances by the young vocalist Avery and the dynamic Juego, each delivering captivating renditions.

In the swimsuit segment, the Jr. Miss contestants adhered to strict guidelines ensuring modesty. Newton’s suit, symbolizing a Virgin Islands sunset, and Watley’s fiery red attire with a Virgin Islands eagle crest coverup, were standout pieces.

The “fun fashion” segment allowed contestants to express school spirit and creative flair. Khari Newton’s “Super Khari” and Ray Anthony Brown’s “Go Ray Ray Go” characters celebrated Crucian culture and school life. Duchess contestants embraced themes from Red Riding Hood to Tahitian princess, showcasing transformative and colorful outfits.

The Jr. Miss contestants shone in their “old Hollywood” themed attire, with Newton in a plaid-accented white satin ensemble and Watley in a pearl-embellished yellow jumpsuit with a plaid-lined cape.

The platform presentations highlighted their commitment to community projects. Newton’s “Safe Space Project” proposed mentorship and empathy-building workshops, while Watley’s “Read Between the Signs” aimed to foster American Sign Language learning among high schoolers, enhancing understanding of the Hard of Hearing and deaf communities.

The night culminated in the crowning of the winners amid enthusiastic support from the audience. Khari Newton, Marley Robinson, and Alayah Watley were declared St. Croix Festival Duke, Duchess, and Jr. Miss for 2023, respectively, with prizes to be distributed throughout their reign.

Deputy Commissioner of Tourism Shamari Haynes emphasized the event’s significance in making the festival village a focal point for the Crucian Christmas Festival, heralding a future rich in cultural celebration and community engagement.