By Azara Lavia
Anticipation is building for the highly anticipated 2025 Queen of Carnival competition, which will dazzle spectators at the Antigua Recreation Grounds — Carnival City — on July 20th.
The stage is set and the energy is rising as the highly anticipated 2025 Queen of Carnival contest draws near. Under the radiant theme “Illuminate. Inspire. Reign,” five dynamic young women fondly dubbed The Celestial 5are ready to shine on the stage at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.
Representing various sponsors, these remarkable delegates are: Kia Kirwan – Miss ACB Caribbean; Kaaliyha Guisté, Miss Antigua Masonry Products; Danijha Simon, Miss Furniture Gallery; Abigail Piper, Miss Boardwalk Casino; and Asheila Pluck, Miss Antigua Port Authority.
The queens-in-training have been working tirelessly, preparing for the demanding yet exciting segments of the competition, which include Interview, Talent, Swimwear, Evening Wear, and Performing Talent.
Chairperson of the Queen of Carnival Committee and the 2013 title-holder, Raynell Carroll, said this year’s event promises to be a “magnificent show” and is encouraging the public to come out in full support.
“These young ladies are not only beautiful but driven, intelligent, and determined to represent Antigua and Barbuda with pride,” Carroll said.
Delegate number 1, Kia Kirwan and 2016 Miss Antigua Barbuda Labour Queen, sponsored by ACB Caribbean is set to bring a thrilling blend of passion and performance to the forefront of this year’s competition.
After spending seven dynamic years in the circus as a fire limbo dancer, equestrian acrobat, and aerial artist, Kirwan has returned home with a renewed mission: to advocate for the performing arts and build a strong, supportive community for fellow creatives.”The circus shaped who I am. It taught me discipline, artistry, and the power of expression. Now that I’m back home, I want to use my platform to inspire others and create opportunities for those who share the same passion for Dance artistry.”
Kaaliyha Guiste, delegate number two is sponsored by Antigua Masonry Products Limited. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, Guiste brings leadership experience from her time as Events Coordinator at the Antigua State College in 2022. Although new to pageantry, she’s approaching the stage with bold determination and a commitment to excellence.
“I may be new to the pageant world, but I see that as motivation. I’m prepared to work ten times harder and show that passion, discipline, and heart can take you anywhere,” Guiste said.
Denisha Simon, sponsored by Furniture Gallery, is Celestial delegate number three.
Crowned Miss Antigua and Barbuda Labour Queen 2025, Simon is no stranger to the pageant spotlight.
A dedicated dance educator at Shiva School of Dance and an Administrative Services Coordinator at General Insurance Company, she recently returned from Jamaica where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Education at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Now, she’s ready to bring her grace, passion and leadership to the national stage, saying: “Winning Labour Queen was a powerful moment, but this journey is about so much more. I want to be a role model not just for the youth, but for my students, my peers, and every young woman with a dream.”
Abigail Piper, delegate number four, is sponsored by Boardwalk Casino. With years of pageant experience behind her, including recent participation in the Labour Queen pageant, Piper is no stranger to the stage. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in Accounting, she works as a Financial Accounts Manager and plans to pursue her CPA license. Confident and career-driven, she brings poise, professionalism, and passion to this year’s competition.
“Pageantry has taught me confidence, grace, and resilience. With every step I take on that stage, I’m representing not just myself but every young woman with big dreams and the courage to chase them,” she noted.
Asheila Pluck, sponsored by the Antigua Port Authority, is celestial delegate number five. A dedicated public servant, she is currently employed at the Ministry of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development within the Department of Family and Social Services. Known for her compassionate nature and love for the outdoors, Pluck brings warmth, grace, and a deep sense of purpose to this year’s pageant.
“Serving others has shaped who I am, and now I’m honored to take that same heart to the Queen of Carnival stage. This journey is about embracing beauty, strength, and service,” she noted.
With grace, grit, and glamour these five women are not only competing for a crown, they are setting a new standard of excellence for the Queen of Carnival legacy.
As the countdown begins, one thing is certain,The Celestial 5 are ready to illuminate the stage, inspire the nation, and reign with purpose.
