2016 will see the crowning of a new host of contestants competing for the title of the UK’s Queen of the Caribbean.
Miss Caribbean United Kingdom was set up as an event to promote all the different Caribbean countries under one umbrella.
The event uses a pageant to promote, educate, inspire and celebrate the historical and cultural impact of the Caribbean within the United Kingdom.
Sitting within the diversity that the UK offers, Miss Caribbean UK (MCUK) attracts not only those from or connected with the Caribbean but others from African, American, Asian and European heritages, keen to enjoy the positive promotion of unity, colour, fashion, dance, gastronomy, music, culture and edutainment.
The pageant was created to inspire by example; those who feel disadvantaged and to empower them by showing them that, beauty is more than skin deep.
The MCUK organisers, Clayton and Jacqui Brown have expressed that this is set to be The Ultimate Crown for Caribbean Pageants in the UK.
“We want to ensure that this event continues to grow and includes the whole Caribbean community, both here in the UK and Internationally. This is more than just a pageant to us; it is a means to unite around a common cause. We want MCUK to be a vehicle which will assist in bringing the Caribbean and its diaspora within the UK, closer. We want the old and younger generation Caribbean descendants to recognise the influence and impact that the Caribbean Diaspora has had on UK culture and thus, appreciate the importance of retaining the link with their Caribbean heritage.” - Amy Harris-Willock - Miss Caribbean UK 2016
Last year, the multi-talented Antigua & Barbuda beauty, 28-year-old Amy Harris-Willock, stole the show and won the hearts of the judges with her beauty, eloquence and cultural awareness, at the Miss Caribbean UK 2015 beauty pageant, held at the Shaw Theatre London.
Amy was selected from four finalists at the Birmingham heat of the pageant competition on 25 July 2015 and went on to join 15 other hopefuls from around the United Kingdom and was ultimately crowned Miss Caribbean UK 2015.
However, not only is Amy blessed with spiritual and aesthetic beauty, she is also athletically blessed.
In 2014 after competing as a member of UK Athletics, she transferred her allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda in recognition of her heritage and is now a proud member of the Antigua and Barbuda’s national athletic team.
Amy is currently the Antigua and Barbuda national record holder for the long jump and is hoping to make the qualifying distance to allow her to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Recently honoured with a B.Sc. in Economics & Business and an M.Sc. in Sports Science, her athletic background has taught her to work hard and appreciate the little things in life by sharing her experiences and giving back to her community.
She aspires to make a difference in schools, sports and most importantly, in life and wants those who look up to her to follow in her footsteps and aim higher.
Winning Miss Caribbean UK allows for great exposure and support for the winner’s career aspirations via hitting red carpets, attending special events, backstage networking, guest public appearances, interviews, photo shoots, work experience opportunities and mentoring support.
Travel opportunities are also on offer with Amy scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda in October as part of her prize sponsored by Stoke Newington Travel and Designer Travel.
Main sponsors for 2016 are: Carib Brewery, Tropical Sun, Port Royal Patties, Stoke Newington Travel, Designer Travel and TrendyWorld.
With more promotions, bigger prizes and more opportunities for those who finish first, second and third; 2016 has already seen many more applicants.
There will also be more dignitaries and celebrated faces from sport, media, TV and film, music and politics eager to support and hit the red carpet for the December pre-Christmas Grand Finals soirée.
Regional heats will take place from June to July in Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester and London.
Final contestants are to be judged on the night for all-round ability to represent culture and vitality by performing as part of a carnival masquerade band; effectively modelling traditional clothing, and eveningwear with high‐end fashion on the runway; demonstrating historical and cultural knowledge of different Caribbean countries; demonstrating public speaking and hidden talents.
In 2015, we were delighted and honoured that the following people accepted our request to be a judge for the 2nd Annual “Miss Caribbean UK Beauty Pageant.” Our spectacular line-up consisted of:
Pily Mirazi (Founder and CEO of South African Fashion & Culture Week (SAFACW),
Chef Jason Howard (a Modern Caribbean chef who appeared on MasterChef)
Michael Lewis (AKA Saracen from Gladiators).
Maureen Smith (Business woman and owner of Tropical Connections)
Rachel Christie (model and star of the revived ITV series Love Island).
Carol Howard (EX Met Police Firearms officer).
Shaun Wallace (from the ITV programme: The Chase)
This year, the line-up will be even more spectacular.
Miss Caribbean UK MCUK 2016 will be fundraising for Cancer Research UK because we want to help create a world free of cancer.
Please click on our “Just Giving" page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jacqueline-Brown2016 to help fund cutting-edge research to find cures, save lives, and support cancer patients move their lives forward.
Please help us raise money for a good cause!
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