St Kitts and Nevis Takyla Hart-Johnson won the 41st edition of the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant held in St Kitts. In December 2024, the [British] Virgin Islands will become the first country other than Antigua and Barbuda to host the 41-year-old Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant. Photo: Facebook

Reigning Miss Teen BVI Asha A.S. Hyndman, seen here with cultural icon Eileene L. Parsons, OBE, will represent the Virgin Islands when the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant is held in the VI for the first time ever. Photo: Facebook

After 41 years of successful events hosted in St Kitts, the Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant will now be held in different Caribbean countries, starting with the [British] Virgin Islands for its 42nd edition on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Photo: Facebook

According to a press release from the Haynes Smith Youth Club, this decision comes in response to longstanding requests from franchise holders and participants for greater transparency and accountability in the judging process.

It said hosting the pageant across various territories will provide fresh perspectives and ensure impartiality, reflecting practices of international competitions such as the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants.

“After 41 years of successful events hosted in St Kitts, the pageant will now be held in different Caribbean countries, starting with the British Virgin Islands for its 42nd edition on Sunday December 29th, 2024. This year marks a momentous occasion as we host the event on the beautiful island of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for the very first time,” the press release stated.

The [British]  Virgin Islands will be represented by Miss Teen BVI Asha A.S. Hyndman when the pageant is held in December.

VI offers ‘exciting new backdrop’

The move, according to the press release, also acknowledges that after four decades, the pageant has outgrown its traditional venue.

It said December in St Kitts is a bustling time filled with carnival events, making it challenging to secure service providers and manage escalating costs.

“The British Virgin Islands offers an exciting new backdrop for showcasing Caribbean talent and culture. The BVI Franchise Holder and the Miss Teen BVI Committee will diligently orchestrate the local logistics for this ground-breaking event.”

The Haynes Smith Youth Club has been dedicated to empowering young people through cultural, educational, and leadership initiatives since 1979. The Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant is one of its flagship events, highlighting the talents and aspirations of young women across the Caribbean.