SOURCE DAILY OBSERVER By Latrishka Thomas
Two women are set to showcase their Antiguan and Barbudan ancestral heritage this weekend as they grace the stage during the Miss Caribbean US 2025 pageant.
Seventeen-year-old Cadyn Farrell will represent the island in the teen category and 24-year-old Dejah “Cleo” Lucas will compete in the adult section.
Farrell, a first-generation American whose roots extend to both Antigua and St Kitts and Nevis, views the pageant as more than a competition—it represents an opportunity to celebrate her cultural background.
“I decided to participate in the pageant because it’s embracing my culture,” Farrell shared.
“The pageant is not all about beauty. The pageant is about beauty and brains. It’s about talent. It’s about knowing your cultural background,” she added.
She shared more about her connection to Antigua and Barbuda disclosing that her grandfather owned the first bakery at Ottos. However, her mother and her siblings migrated to the US in 1976 where she was born.
Reflecting on her attachment to the island, Farrell expressed her enthusiasm saying: “Things that I love about Antigua is that I’m able to embrace the culture and traditions. I love Carnival. I love the vibrant and distinct music during Carnival. I love the vibes. I love the people.”
Lucas, who is currently pursuing Forensic Psychology as a sophomore at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is born to Antiguan parents.
She once attended the St. Michael’s Primary school where she won her first pageant.
“I decided to compete in this pageant specifically because I wanted more Antiguan representation here in the US as far as pageantry goes,” Lucas said, articulating her motivation with conviction.
She shared that her great-grandfather, Robert Zachariah Thomas Paige, was one of Antigua’s first land surveyors.
Her participation carries deeper personal significance, as she explains: “Before he passed, my grandfather’s wish was to walk hand in hand with me down the streets of St John’s, but that moment unfortunately never happened. I’m hoping that through this pageant I’m able to honour his memory and represent an island that we both love so much.”
Both contestants emphasize the pageant’s role beyond traditional beauty standards. Lucas, who has established herself in modelling and community service, envisions broader impact. “Through my story of personal growth, I want to show others that it’s possible to overcome challenges and to stay true to who you are.”
“I’m not just here for a title, I’m here to tell a story. I have a family legacy, I have cultural pride, and I have the understanding of who I am and combining all of those things and showing up as that is what I think really sets me apart,” she asserted.
Farrell on the other hand, said that what sets her apart from other contestants is, “my history, my personality, how I see the world through different lenses.”
Farrell shared an inspiring message to Antiguans and Barbudans: “Embrace your culture and to always persevere and be hopeful, no matter if you come from small islands, big islands, no matter if you’re first generation, that you could still make a change, that you could still be successful, that you could still be heard by many, seen by most, and that you can still do whatever you need to do and be successful to your own extent if you put your mind to it.”
The contestants will compete alongside representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, St Lucia, and the United States of America.
Supporters interested in following their journey can visit the Miss Caribbean US Beauty Pageant, Inc Facebook Page and show their support by liking their favourite contestants’ pictures.
The pageant will take place on February 16 at the United Majestic Chamber in Philadelphia.
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Average at best, me woulda tek the biggy.
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