Press Release For Newspapers, Radio Stations, and SVG Broadcasting Corp Ltd On Thursday, 13^th March, 2008 nine(9) finalists were chosen by a panel comprising the Hon. Rene Baptiste, the Minister of Urban Development, Culture, Labour and Electoral Matters, and Members of the Board of Directors of the Carnival Development Corporation to take part in Miss SVG 2008. Suitably attired in business wear, the prospective contestants were required to give a presentation which included introducing themselves to the panel, giving a brief speech on a pre-selected topic and answering any questions from the panel. The nine (9) finalists now have twelve (12) weeks of intense training for Miss SVG 2008 which is slated for Saturday, 31^st May, 2008 at Carnival City Victoria Park. Training for Miss SVG 2008 encompasses stage, physical fitness, interview, media and public appearance and personal development and grooming. This year the contestants have the added advantage of being able to receive the benefit of the experience of past queens; Miss Ms. Michelle Fife, Miss Laferne Fraser and Miss Melissa Yorke, all university graduates, are home and actively involved in the training process for Miss SVG 2008. In conjunction with their jam-packed training schedule the finalists are also required to attend official events and functions in the weeks leading up to the launch of Vincy Mas 2008 and the pageant. One such event was the official photo shoot which took place at the magnificent Montreal Gardens on Saturday March 29^th 2008. The photographs from the photo shoot will be used in the Singer Show Window and for various marketing and promotional activities. There is no denying that the contestants have a hectic schedule over the next few weeks and the Carnival Development Corporation and the Beauty Shows Committee take this opportunity to thank the employers of all the working contestants for being exceedingly accommodating; it is a privilege to partner with corporate St. Vincent and the Grenadines in affording young women the opportunity to better their lives through education. The first time that the public will meet the lovely contestants who will be vying for the Miss SVG 2008 crown will be at the official launch of Vincy Mas 2008 on Saturday, 3^rd May, 2008. Their photographs will however be displayed in the Singer Show Window, in the three local newspapers, on the CDC’s website (www.carnivalsvg.com) and in various marketing and promotional. The public will have the opportunity to decide on their favourite contestant and who they are coming to Victoria Park to support. _____________________________ C. G. Rodriguez(Mrs.) Chairperson - The Beauty Shows Committee