Kyrelle Thomas To Represent Territory At Miss World Pageant 2016-17

ST. THOMAS — On Saturday, October 15, the Miss U.S. Paradise Pageant crowned its seventh delegate to the Miss World Pageant, 18-year-old University of the Virgin Islands’ engineering student Kyrelle Thomas, above, hailing from St. Thomas, according to a press release issued by Cyndee’s Models, helmed by Cyndee Frontal.

The coronation took place at 4:00 p.m. at Government House here. Guests were  treated to a dance by UVI’s Dance Treasures, and an exceptional saxophone rendition by Sherwin Williams, all while witnessing the crowing of the U.S. Virgin Islands queen, who will represent the territory in the 2016-17 Miss World Pageant.

The pageant will be held on December 18 in Washington, D.C. Ms. Thomas will be leaving to begin her preliminary competitions on November 26. The pageant will be hosting 120 young women from around the world and Ms. Thomas will have the opportunity serve as an international ambassador while representing the islands’ interests; promoting the USVI’s culture, while championing many worthwhile causes at home, according to the release.

The pageant will be aired on ETV, so locals will be able to watch the entire event and root for their representative at the competition.

In a conversation with media on Thursday, Ms. Thomas, who makes 19 today, said she was encouraged to join pageantry after witnessing her aunt’s deep involvement over the years. “Seeing her with other young ladies boosted my confidence,” she said. She would later tell her aunt about her desire, but was initially discouraged, as her aunt expressed skepticism. “But I did it and here I am,” Ms. Thomas said.

Ms. Thomas, whose platform is youth development, says while her career choice may eventually lead her away from pageantry (she’s studying to become an electrical engineer), she sees multiple benefits of the craft, not the least of which being the building of one’s self-esteem, creating new mindsets and forging new friendships.

The pageant queen said she’s currently working on a program called Youth With A Purpose, with a aim is to help develop the territory’s youth into their adolescence years.

Ms. Frontal said Cyndee’s Models will help place Ms. Thomas in various local events, especially during the festival season in St. Croix during the month of December. Ms. Frontal said organizers of events can also request Ms. Thomas’s participation.

The Miss U.S. Paradise Pageant was founded by Cyndee Frontal in 2010 and is housed under the umbrella of Cyndee’s Models in the Isle on St. Croix, according to the release. Ms. Frontal holds the license to the Miss World Pageant in the territory, and is always seeking young women between the ages of 17-24 who meet the qualifications. Married women, women who have been married, or those with children cannot join the contest.

Those interested are asked to contact the agency at 340-690-2045, or email [email protected].

Past title holders and representatives of the U.S.V.I. in the Miss World Pageant are: 2010 Whitney Carter (STX); 2011 Esonica Viera (STT); 2012 Taiesa Lashley (STT); 2013 Petra Cabrera (STX); 2014 Aniska Tonge (STT); 2015 Jahne Massac (STT).