fp Turks and Caicos

Sixteen-year-old beauty Washanda Registre was crowned the winner at the 2012 TCI Top Model contest.

Registre, who hails from North Caicos, also won various other awards during the competition, such as “Industry Readiness,” “Best Body” and “Fashion Forward” awards.

“This is an amazing feeling. I’m so ecstatic! This is really a dream come true,” said the Clement Howell High School fifth form student who enjoys reading, socializing with her peers and track and field.

“Winning TCI Top Model is the beginning of a wonderful journey. A lot of avenues are now open to me, and I’m more than ready to take the fashion world by storm!”

The event showcased nine beautiful ladies strutting a 60-foot runway wearing the latest garments from the collections of local designers Kazz Forbes’ Saint George Fashion House and Jermall Williams’ Jeritt Jermell Collection. There were also performances by local musicians Leeward Heights, Mike Dizzo and Co, Ryesha Higgs and Ruben Altidor.

Among a bevy of prizes bubbly, 5-foot 10-inch winner will be named Digicel TCI Brand Ambassador for one year and be featured in various advertising campaigns and events such as the Times of the Islands magazine and 2013 Destination: Turks and Caicos Islands. She will also receive a round trip ticket to New York, a $500 savings account from CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, a Parrot Cay weekend get-away as well as many other prizes.

Various stateside model scouting agents were present at the event and expressed interest in not only representing Washanda but other contestants as well.

“These high fashion agencies jumped at the chance at coming to the Turks and Caicos to scout for a new face to develop and represent in the mega business that is beauty and fashion; and they did,” said Executive Producer Courtney Robinson.

“I am truly honored to head a team that is passionate about giving those in the Turks and Caicos Islands an opportunity to shine, a platform to debut, and the tools to grow. This event is our way of giving back to our community and our hope is that everyone moving forward can dream big, follow it to the fullest, and help establish a creative industry in these ‘Beautiful By Nature’ islands.”

• Washanda Registre, 2012 TCI Top Model Winner
• Vielka Salvador, 2nd Runner Up
• Lashonda Adams, 3rd Runner Up

Awards

• Industry Readiness – Washanda Registre
• Model’s Portfolio Folder – Lashonda Adams
• Runway Walk – Breanna Johnson
• Best Body – Washanda Registre
• Fashion Forward – Washanda Registre
• RTC Viewers Choice Award – Lashonda Adams
• Facebook “Like” Award – Vernessa Forbes