In alignment with one of the four pillars of Lucian Carnival – sustainability – the seven delegates of this year’s National Carnival Queen Pageant participated in a tree-planting exercise last week.
The event took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Vigie, with attendees including reigning Carnival Queen Shan Lucien, Minister for Tourism and Culture Dr Ernest Hilaire, and Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) chair Tamara Gibson. The activity was conducted under the guidance of the Forestry Department.
Alwin Dornelly, Chief Forestry Officer, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting its coincidence with World Day to Combat Desertification.
He said the National Carnival Pageant Committee approached his department about engaging the contestants in a meaningful activity and tree planting was chosen to raise environmental awareness as they prepare for the pageant.
Hilaire commended the organisers, calling it a “fantastic activity that integrates the pageant with sustainable development”.
“One of the four pillars of carnival is sustainability and it takes two forms – sustainability in terms of ensuring that carnival lives on from generation to generation,” he said, “and now we have added a new dimension to it, making sure that as a festival and certainly in the case of the contestants, that they too contribute to the preservation of the environment, recognising the importance of doing so, given climate change and the devastating effects it has on us as a small island.”
Hilaire also praised the delegates for their enthusiasm and commitment.
Tamara Gibson noted the excitement among the contestants, stating: “We thought that it was necessary for the girls to get involved and we developed this activity so that there is something they can remember. In years to come we can probably visit this venue and know that they helped in planting a tree and the whole notion of reforestation.”
Shan Lucien, the reigning queen, expressed her approval, emphasising that her reign has been about more than beauty. “It is good to see how the committee has gotten the contestants involved and I hope that such initiatives will continue,” Lucien said.
Organisers emphasised that tree planting symbolises growth, renewal, and long-term impact. For the delegates, it represents their dedication to leaving a legacy, not just on stage, but in the very soil of the nation they proudly represent.
The National Carnival Queen Pageant will take place on Saturday, July 5, at The Pavilion in Rodney Bay.
