Jayque Hokpins and CeReiah Authurton crowned Prince and Princess 2012.

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

Jayque Hokpins and CeReiah Authurton crowned Prince and Princess 2012.

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

Just as the theme highlighted, the eight couples at this year's Prince & Princess show gave golden performances, but it was the Althea Scatliffe Primary School's Jayque Hokpins and CeReiah Authurton who were crowned Prince and Princess.

The annual show which was described as competitive, was held under theme, 'A Golden Story To Tell, Enjoying Festival 2012' at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall last evening, July 15.

First runner-up went to couple #7, St. George's Primary School's Mahmoud Bazar and Italia McMillan; second runner-up went to couple #2, First Impressions' Jermaine Arthur Jr. and Miya Marcano; and third runner-up went to couple #6, Joyce Samuel Primary School's Kyle Leader and Kiara Woodley.

Best smile went to couple #2; most photogenic - couple #2; best dancing duo for introduction segment during practice - couple #6; best introduction - couple #5; best cultural wear - couple #7; best cartoon character wear - couple #2; best talent - couple #5; and best evening wear went to couple #7.

The four other contestants were Ebenezer Thomas Primary School's couple #1 - Shamiek Lettsome and Leah Smith; Althea Scatliffe Primary School's couple #3 - Shaun George and She'Koya Scatliffe; Francis Lettsome Primary School's couple #4 - Tariq Fahie and Ritisha Fahie; and Enid Scatlife Pre-Primary School's couple #8 - Dreyonte Findlay and Anaya Findlay.

All the contestants performed exceptional and from the introduction segment, it was clear that the show was going to be competitive.

In the cultural wear segment, the winner was couple #7 who perfectly captured aspects of the BVI in their outfit, while couple #3 said they heeded the call by the Ministry of Culture for a culture wear, depicting in their outfit colours such as red for the blood of their ancestors. Couple #6 wore an outfit which screamed BVI with the Territory's flag and the union jack embedded in the outfit.

Best cartoon character wear went to couple #2. They portrayed the animated musical fantasy film 'Beauty and the Beast. Couple #1 and couple #4 acted as characters of the cartoon series 'Scooby-Doo', while couple #5 portrayed Popeye; couple #6 portrayed Aladdin, the animated musical family film; couple #7 depicted Avatar the last Airbender; couple #8 looked smart as Red Riding Hood; and couple #3 portrayed Bat Man and Bat Woman who came from Gotham City to help fight increased crime in the BVI.

Meanwhile, in the talent segment, couple #5 was clear winners with Hopkins acting as Martin Luther King Jr., who went down in history as an activist and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights.

During his powerful performance, he articulated King's message about his dream to have one day, a black child and a white child holding hands. Hopkins brought the message home and spoke about the visionary leaders of the BVI who made things that were impossible possible, highlighting achievements by the late H. Lavity Stoutt, Ninth District Representative and former Premier Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal and Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith.

"Dream big, it's not illegal as yet," Hopkins told the audience during his performance.

Couple #6 also delivered a talented piece where they sought to drive home the importance of bringing back the BVI culture and putting aside the current behavioral pattern by some youth who focus on dancehall music and other genres, while forgetting the true meaning of the emancipation celebration.

Couple #8 in their talent acted as a Police Officer named Super Cop who stopped the parade. The officer told the court that the revelers were not respecting emancipation as they were fighting and disturbing the celebration. The officer said once there is no violence, the jam will not be stopped. "It's illegal not to know."

First runner-up, couple #7 focused on the issue of child abuse and during their performance, McMillan played a violin and Bazar a guitar.

Couple #4 called for the revitalization of the BVI's culture and warned that while the community can embrace technology, it must not be done in excess.

Couple #3 performed a piece where the brother and sister did not obey their mother to stay at home, but sneaked out to the club where the sister was shot. Their message was simply, "obey your parents".

Jayque Hokpins during the talent segment acting as Martin Luther King Jr.

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

Jayque Hokpins during the talent segment acting as Martin Luther King Jr.

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

At the conclusion of the performances, Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines, Sixth District Representative and Chairperson of the Prince and Princess Show said in her 12 years chairing the event, this was the first year she has seen such intense performances. She said the performances were awesome by all the couples and they are all winners.

Maduro-Caines said over the years she has met interesting and fascinating young people. "Some enter the pageant as very shy individuals and leave with a whole new attitude of braveness.

"This pageant is not all about winning, for I consider all participants winners. This show is designed to help build the participants' self esteem, showcase their talent and bring out the boldness that is sometimes hidden behind that shyness," Maduro-Caines stated.

Introduction carried a total of 75 points; cultural wear 50 points; cartoon character wear 50 points; talent 75 points and evening year 50 points. There were no points for best smile, but best dancing duo during practice for introduction received a cash prize only.

During the show, there were a number of stage props used; however, it was made clear that the use of props do not affect the points and judging system.