Lenore Singh is the new Miss Central Carnival Queen. Singh took the coveted title on Saturday night, beating out seven other contestants during the Couva Carnival Committee's annual event at the Couva Public Car Park.The 26-year-old, who runs her own business in her hometown of Sangre Grande, took the $6,000 first prize and also won the award for Best Gown and Best Costume. All eight contestants shared in a $30,000 purse.
Placing second was Rene Brown, who also won the award for Miss Intelligence. In third spot was Tia Toby, who also won the Spirit of Carnival Award. The award for Miss Elegant went to Isha Thomas.Singh won loud applause for her costume, which depicted the steelpan. She later stunned the crowd when she appeared in an elegant silver and white dress.
The show started just after 8 pm and the eight delegates paraded in party wear, Carnival costumes and evening gowns. The field was later narrowed down to five finalists, who answered questions for the judges. The crowd that overflowed onto the Couva Main Road cheered when results were announced just before 11 pm.
Speaking afterwards, Ramchand Rajbal-Maharaj, chairman of the Couva Carnival Committee, said because of the overwhelming support the show gets annually, the committee is in the process of putting plans in place to move it to an indoor venue next year. He said the queen show is a much-anticipated event on the committee's calendar.
Chaguanas mayor Orlando Nagessar, who also attended, congratulated the committee on its celebrations and advised the public to avoid drinking and driving this Carnival season.