Selena Grant, Miss One Nation TCI 2024, has made history by placing as First Runner-Up at the Miss Global International 2024 Pageant, staged in the Cayman Islands.
This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as no local contestant has secured a top international ranking since Carmelita Ariza reached the top 10 at Miss Universe 1987 in Singapore. Previous titleholders have earned accolades in individual categories such as Best Swimsuit and Ms. Congeniality at competitions like Miss Earth and Miss Universe, but Ms. Grant’s success on a global stage is a first in decades for the islands.
In her new crown and sash, Ms. Grant was warmly welcomed on October 17th, 2024, at the Howard Hamilton International Airport. The celebration was organized by Keisha L. Delancy, CEO and Creative Director of Destination Turks and Caicos LTD in collaboration with Finbar Grant & Associates. In addition to HHIA, the organizers also received the support of Prestigious VIP, Claudine Ewing (Bambarra), Renau Destine Photography, SkyPass Fast Track, and We Funk Junkanoo courtesy of Experience Turks and Caicos. This impressive ensemble ensured the welcome was a spectacular event.
Several former Miss Turks and Caicos titleholders were also in attendance, adding to the grandeur of the moment. Among them was Wife of The Premier Mrs. Delthia Russell Missick, who presented Ms. Grant with a stunning floral arrangement, symbolizing the pride and joy of the nation.
“I was truly surprised,” shared Ms. Grant. “I feel incredibly grateful and honored to receive such overwhelming love and support from my country. Bringing this title home for the Turks and Caicos and showcasing our islands to the world is an indescribable feeling.”
Ms. Grant's family members, equally proud, joined the celebration with balloons, a custom-made welcome sign made possible by Bambarra, and their own floral gifts. Meanwhile Ms. Grant’s siblings and mother, Lakisha Grant, joined via video call, as numerous onlookers and HHIA staff gathered to share in the joyous occasion, offering hugs and well wishes. The homecoming event also featured appearances by Honourable E.J. Saunders, Drexwell Seymour, and Director of Miss One Nation TCI, Ms. Alicia Swann.
The excitement concluded with a private luncheon at the luxurious Wymara Resort, attended by Ms. Grant's family, loved ones, and sponsors. Ms. Grant later that evening made an appearance at the Island Fish Fry where she danced and took pictures with islanders and travelers.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Grant expressed her intention to maintain strong connections with her fellow pageant contestants. “This competition was unique in how it established a deep bond between us. We’ve created a sisterhood, and I’ve already invited them to visit Turks and Caicos, just as they’ve invited me to their countries.”
Looking ahead, the beauty queen plans to take a step back from competitions to focus on her platform, which centers on empowering youth through education, community service and creative arts. She is in the process of starting her own non-profit “Barbra’s Lighthouse”, affectionately named after her late Grandmother Barbra Francis.
The project will focus on a number of youth issues and feature a board of young leaders. Ms. Grant is particularly passionate about integrating technology into schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands, a mission she aims to advance in the coming months.
Selena Grant worked closely with pageant coach and stylist Romell Phillips as well as Crissy Pratt, who also served as her coach.
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