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HomeNewsArchivesCarnival Prince and Princess Hopefuls Debut at Tutu Park Mall

Carnival Prince and Princess Hopefuls Debut at Tutu Park Mall

Feb. 8, 2009 — Four couples vying for the title of Carnival Prince and Princess 2009 made their debut Saturday during a formal introduction at the Tutu Park Mall.
"Echoes Through Time … A Percy's Bus Stop Coney Island Lyme" was the theme of Saturday's introduction, a reference to Carnival icon, the double-decker Percy's Bus Stop. Percy's was once the local amusement park site for children during Carnival.
Master of Ceremonies Ned the Clown took the stage in front of a colorful background fashioned after the double-decker Percy's bus. He introduced various speakers and performers, including the Tropical M,'asqueraders, the Charming Twirlers Majorettes and reigning junior Calypso king, Khamoi DeSilva.
The four prince and princess couples and their sponsors are:
— Nasinque Industrious and Irvin Mason Jr., sponsored by V.I. Recycling and A9 Enterprises;
— Tori Huyghue and Keon Hendrickson, sponsored by the V.I. Carnival Committee;
— P'Ahzae Harrigan and Jahan Maduro-Warner, sponsored by Metro Motors; and
— Ahkayla Peterson and Juan Carlos Brito, sponsored by the V.I. Carnival Committee.
The couples, all elementary school students from public and parochial schools, volunteered to be part of this annual event, and were required to have at least a B average.
"The couples all look like they're working hard for the title," said Angelica Ferguson, a spectator. "This should be a good show, and I can't wait to see who is crowned this year."
Another onlooker, Angelica Ferguson, was also impressed.
"I think it's wonderful to see the kids come out and take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of the Carnival celebration," Ferguson said. "They really came out here and did their thing."
The four couples will return to the stage April 12 at Lionel Roberts Stadium for the Prince and Princess Competition. The winner will be selected based on the couple's scores in a question-and-answer segment, as well as such categories as evening wear, swimwear and sportswear.
Prizes for winners, runners up and participants will be donated by businesses throughout the community. The winners will be featured throughout their reign in the Children's Parade and in other Carnival events. The winners will also represent St. Thomas during festivals and events on St. Croix, St. John and Tortola.
Chairperson of this year's Carnival Committee is Kenneth Blake and chairperson of the Prince and Princess Committee is Canika George-John, both of whom spoke at Saturday's debut.
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