Nineteen-year-old Delece Rabathaly has been crowned the inaugural Miss Afro Trinidad and Tobago, marking a historic milestone during this year’s Emancipation celebrations and becoming the first titleholder of a pageant dedicated to celebrating African heritage, culture and leadership in Trinidad and Tobago.
Representing Zimbabwe, the Vistabella resident emerged victorious over 13 delegates, each representing a different African nation, before a standing-room-only audience at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando.
The pageant, staged under the theme “Threads of Africa, Fabric of a Nation,” was organised by the Ministry of Culture and Community Development as part of the country’s Emancipation programme. Contestants researched the history, traditions and cultural heritage of their assigned African nations before showcasing their knowledge, confidence and talent throughout the competition.
Following her victory, Rabathaly said the significance of the achievement only truly settled in the following day after the excitement had faded.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who commended the contestants for their poise, confidence and cultural presentations. She also expressed hope that the pageant would become an annual fixture on the national Emancipation calendar, celebrating the enduring legacy and contributions of people of African descent.
Britney Smith, representing Senegal, was named first runner-up and received the Ms Emancipation T&T title, while Rebecca Baptiste, representing Seychelles, claimed second runner-up along with the Ms African Essence award.
Organisers said the inaugural competition was created to celebrate the beauty, resilience, leadership and achievements of Afro-Trinbagonian women while fostering a deeper appreciation for African history, identity and culture. Following its successful debut and enthusiastic public support, the Miss Afro Trinidad and Tobago Pageant is expected to become a lasting highlight of the nation’s annual Emancipation celebrations.
