Mellisa Rankin was crowned George Town Miss Festival Queen – at the George Town Miss Festival Queen pageant George Town Central Park, Scranton.

Mellisa will represent the district of George Town in the Miss Festival Queen Competition finals, scheduled for Thursday 10 November, the day before the official kick-off of Pirates’ Week.

The other six contestants, Gabriella McField, Kayla McField, Nassaria Thompson, Kayana Bustillo Chelsea Evans, and Lethea Rankin, all took part in the Cayman culture and heritage-flavoured pageant, organised by the George Town Heritage Committee

The show kicked off with a dance presentation, with all contestants dressed in spectacular stingray outfits.

During the next section, each of the contestants gave a special presentation on a significant George Town person.

Gabriella McField spoke about Cayman photographer Edgar Banks: “He was able to overcome obstacles making himself an independent living with camera in hand. He brought many smiles to hearts in his George Town studio,” she said.

Kayana Bustillo’s presentation was all about Annie Huldah Bodden, O.B.E:

“Miss Annie broke into the ranks of what was considered to be a sole masculine realm. She taught women of the Cayman Islands that they could lift their voices and be heard in a positive manner… the development of this country,” she said.

Mellisa Rankin spoke all about Inspector Roddy Watler: “It is said he was tall and stern, looking quite military in his uniform. He had a special heart for children…did his work with pride and was always ready to protect and serve his country. He was beloved by his people,” she said.

In the next section, each of the contestants came onstage wearing costumes themed with a unique aspect of Cayman culture – including a Black Coral outfit, worn by Nassaria Thompson and a Caymanite outfit, worn by Kayla McField.

During the final section, the ladies were dressed in their evening gowns – all with a Cayman Orchid theme.

Former George Town MLA Lucille Seymour presented each of the contestants with a certificate of participation, before reigning Miss Festival Queen, Miss Shemika Gooding crowned and sashed Mellisa.

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