By Essiba Small, HER Magazine
Photo: Robert Taylor
Winning the Miss La Reine Rive title at last Saturday’s Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition meant much more to Rachel Questelles than most people knew.
For one, her win put an end to Tobago’s 30-year La Reine Rive drought; then there was the question-and-answer segment on the final night, which Questelles thought would put her further away from the crown.
“The nerves got the better of me,” she told Her Magazine earlier this week.
“Up to that time I felt that I had a really good chance of winning. But I fumbled with the question and paused, even though I finished my answer successfully.”
Once she got backstage, Questelles admitted that she had a bit of a meltdown. It was Miss La Reine Rive 2023 Mekelia Miller who comforted her and gave her a much-needed pep talk.
“She told me that there will never be anyone like me, that I did exceptionally well and that crying would ruin my make-up.”
When the Pembroke, Tobago dancer’s name was called as the winner, she couldn’t believe it.
“I felt elated and excited, for the community I represented and the island.”
Questelles also won Best Talent, Best Self Expression and Best Gown for “Tetevay Coconut Pride of the Tobago Woman” (the title of her gown), which was conceptualised by Shakiel Jones, designed by Akimo Sandy and made by Mary Robley.
The monologue “Answering the Call”, which Questelles performed for the talent segment, was written by Kedisha Thomas. A powerful monologue and folk-dance combo, “Answering the Call” was directed at the Minister of National Security, Questelles said.
“In it I am asking him what is going on? Why are people dying? It was a cry of the community and the call for ancestral cleansing, which some people refer to as obeah. Originally from Trinidad and a dancer since she was two years old, the 26-year-old Questelles moved to Tobago two years ago to pursue her lifelong dream of being a full time, resident dancer with the Tobago Performing Arts Company.
She felt honoured when the Encore Dance Theatre, a group with whom she often associated, asked her to represent them at Best Village.
“I said if queen show have to do, it will do,” she said with a laugh.
Upon her return to Tobago, following her La Reine Rive win, Questelles was celebrated by The Division of Tourism Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation with a special programme “to mark the return of a distinguished cultural ambassador to the island”.
The event featured drumming and dancing, with various groups from across the island showcasing their talents.
Among those present were Darcelle Kirk, owner of Zante Unique Touch and first runner-up at the 2001 La Reine Rive competition; Delecia’s Dance Agency, led by Shervell Williams; Encore Dance Theatre, which led the parade; and Rhythmic Vibrations
Joined by her dream team, which included her chaperone, writer, and director Thomas, a her designer and make-up artist Akimo Sandy, Questelles said she was touched by the welcome; and yes, she cried.
Unlike other pageants staged in this country, Miss La Reine Rive does not have a set schedule of duties for the duration of her reign.
That’s why last year’s queen Mekelia Miller said she made her reign her own by marketing Best Village in person and on social media and mentoring young people.
Questelles too has plans to work with young people, especially young girls, during her reign.
“I have a few ideas in mind. One of the projects is to work with a home for girls in Tobago, after school, using arts and crafts to help them deal with emotional turmoil.
“If they could dance, let them dance, if they could paint, let them paint. I plan to talk to Minister (of Sport and Community Development and Tobago West MP) Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis about it,” she said.
