In a recent Facebook post, Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant Contestant number 3 Miss Jareena Penn shared her platform for the upcoming Miss BVI pageant as well as her personal story of surviving sexual assault with the public, which lead to her choosing said platform.
In the post Penn shared, “My name is Jareena Penn & I am a survivor of sexual assault.
There’s no denying that assault and rape is very prevalent in our community. This is why my platform is “UnMask-Her-Rape” is so personal; as a survivor, I also have a deep understanding of the trauma and need for healing support.
My vision for UnMask-Her-Rape is clear; not only will this platform raise awareness and shatter the proverbial glass ceiling of rape culture, it will also serve as a safe space for victims to share.
As we give life to their stories it will begin to cast out predators and demand a safer & healthier environment for our children.”
Penn continued, “BVI our girls need you. I need you to continue on my journey of healing & empowering this beautiful nation. It is time to REMOVE the mask and RESTORE what it means to be woman and girl in these Beautiful Virgin Islands! Join me on this journey to the Miss British Virgin Islands crown to serve as your ambassador and a champion for compassion, community and care.”
Six young women will showcase their talents, intellect, and poise as they compete for the prestigious title of Miss British Virgin Islands on Sunday, October 17th, 2021.
Ready to grace the stage are Contestant #1 Reba Smith, Contestant #2 Chenae Walters, Contestant #3 Jareena Penn, Contestant #4 Sylvanna Charles, Contestant #5, Keyona Cameron and, Contestant #6 Kathlyn Archibald-Drew.
The pageant which was previously scheduled for August 1, 2021 was rescheduled due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Virgin Islands. The postponement of the pageant was first announced by the Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley on July 9, 2021.
Chairperson of the Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant Committee, Natalie O. Hodge, said that the committee is curating an opulent experience that will cater to both in-person and virtual audience members.
“This year’s pageant will offer an online component streaming live on a pay-per- view platform whereby pageant supporters will have to subscribe to view the content. Despite some changes we made due to the pandemic, we are keeping most of the traditional and cultural elements of the Miss BVI experience. For example, we have continued the tradition of hosting the pageant on a Sunday, and format and segments of the show will be the same. The crowning of the new Queen in October will give her the opportunity to preside over the Virgin Islands’ Cultural and Tourism month activities scheduled for November.”
She added, “Behind the scenes, the contestants are working hard to prepare for show night and we encourage the public to continue to support them. So far, they have undergone communication training, runway coaching, etiquette training, team building activities, basic make-up tutorial and participated in promotional videos offering support and encouragement to the community in various areas.”