Saint Lucia’s Miss OECS Contestant Ready to Shine, Advocates for Easier Intra-Regional Travel

As the Miss OECS Pageant approaches, Saint Lucia’s representative Timiqua Deterville is preparing for more than just a competition. For her, the pageant is an opportunity to champion a cause close to her heart—easier travel within the OECS. In an exclusive interview with St Lucia Times, she shared a bit about her journey, her aspirations, and the message she aims to bring to the regional stage. Growing up in Mabuya Valley, Deterville developed a strong appreciation for community and the values instilled in her. “It taught me respect, the value of time, and the importance of hard work,” she shared. “Gone are the days when it took a community to raise a child, but I’m grateful to have experienced those moments – the good old days.” Deterville, a seasoned pageant competitor, has earned the title of Miss Mabuya Valley, first runner-up in Miss Independence, and first runner-up at the National Carnival Queen competition. As she takes on this next regional challenge, she is using her platform to advocate for easier movement of people within the region. Deterville believes that strengthening intra-regional travel can foster greater cultural appreciation. “It costs more to travel internationally than to move between OECS countries,” she...