In a dazzling display of poise, performance, and cultural pride, Emerle Tisson, Miss Bank of Saint Lucia, was crowned the 2025 National Carnival Queen on Saturday night at the Pavilion in Rodney Bay. The 23-year-old from Choiseul, a hospitality and tourism student, delivered a commanding performance that earned her the prestigious title and the hearts of both judges and the audience.
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Tisson stood out among a field of seven contestants, sweeping several key segments of the pageant. Her impressive haul included Best Swimwear Design, Best in Swimwear, Best Evening Wear, Best Embodiment of Grace in Evening Wear, Best Performing Talent, and the Strongbow People’s Choice Award. She also shared the Best in Costume award, highlighting her versatility and appeal across categories.
As winner, Tisson takes home a $25,000 cash prize and a full scholarship to complete a bachelor’s degree of her choice at Monroe College. More than just a beauty queen, she now serves as Saint Lucia’s cultural ambassador for the remainder of the 2025 Carnival season and beyond, succeeding 2024’s queen, Shan Lucien.
The first runner-up spot went to Tatiana Clovis-Freitas, 19, Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. Hailing from Bois d’Orange, Clovis-Freitas impressed judges with her thoughtful responses and creative presentation, winning Best Second Interview and Best Carnival Costume Design, and co-winning Best in Costume alongside Tisson.
Kertrina Oculi, 21, Miss JP Chenet, representing Dennery North and the Mabouya Valley, claimed the second runner-up title. Oculi, who captivated the audience with a passionate dance routine, earned the Best Talent award and was named Miss Photogenic. She also received the Chairperson’s Award, chosen by Carnival Management and Planning Committee Chair Tamara Gibson.
Other awards presented on the night included: Best First Interview: Hadassah Romulus (Miss Dazzle Magazine), Miss Congeniality: Kittle Symphorien (Miss Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort)
Rounding out the lineup were Ziggy Kenya Vitalis, 24, Miss Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate, from Beausejour, Gros Islet, and Shernia Phillip, 25, Miss Duty-Free Pointe Seraphine, from Piaye.
The show began promptly and featured six judged segments, with a rotating panel of judges across the various categories to ensure fairness and impartiality.
The National Carnival Queen Show remains a central fixture in Saint Lucia’s Carnival season, celebrating not only beauty and elegance but the intellect, talent, and cultural pride of the island’s young women. With her new crown and responsibilities, Emerle Tisson is poised to represent Saint Lucia with grace, confidence, and an enduring love for her culture.
