Lux Gem Pageant crowns Alleyne and Hinkson

By Michron Robinson

 The winners of the recently held Lux Gem 2022 pageant are over the moon about their win and Mr Lux Gem 2022, Kyrique Alleyne, and Miss Lux Gem 2022, Amber Hinkson, have every right to be. 

Those two fought hard to take the top spots on Sunday evening at the Frank Collymore Hall with Alleyne winning most categories including Mr. Congeniality, Best Personal Style – his teal jacket complete with golden finishes earned him Best Formal Wear and The Personal and Professional Development Award – and he’s now the Scarred Not Shattered Youth Ambassador.

After being crowned, Kyrique said: “It showcases that I was able to put in all the work. Within this experience I was able to see the delegates not only as delegates but as family, as a team – a unit that showcased tonight and hopefully that will show forth in the future,” he said. 

Queen Amber, a known triathlete and water polo player, won the hearts of the judges as she stepped out monochromatically with her silk, soft and feminine pink off-the-shoulder evening gown complete with matching jewelled earrings and heels. She was stunning! 

Hinkson spoke flawlessly in the Question and Answer segment, earning her Best Personality Interview. Just like the king, she copped the Personal and Professional Development Award. She also took the Best Introduction and the Best Special Segment Presentation. 

When speaking to Barbados TODAY, Amber said she was happy to have found that balance between female athlete and refined pageant queen.

“I am overwhelmed and very proud of myself. The experience has been captivating. I came into the programme with the aim of becoming a bit more fine-tuned and focused as a young lady. In stepping away from athletics like the water polo and triathlons, I realised the avenues I wanted to go down and found the equilibrium in the Miss Lux Gem pageant,” she said with a winning smile. 

This was a high promotion for Amber who won second runner-up on the night of the Lux Gem Talent Show with Amirah Cordice placing as first runner-up and Alan Bailey winning on that night. Cordice, second runner-up last night, was still eloquent and well-presented. First runner-up went to the gorgeous Rhea Stoute who stood out in her evening wear and was loved by the audience. 

Similarly, king of talent and vocal range, Malik Hamilton, also a crowd favourite, won first runner-up. He was fine in voice and in looks with his impeccable sense of style. 

The show highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being with female delegates making a presentation dedicated to the topic. Second runner-up, Romario Phillips, also presented on suicide prevention.

Phillips also spoke to female trans representation and defended the Miss Universe pageant’s Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the CEO of Thailand-based media company JKN Global Group Pcl. She is the first transgender female to own the Miss Universe brand in its 71-year history.

“True representation empowers people to reach their full potential. To have that voice, visibility and respect creates an environment of inclusivity and diversity… [This representation]… at the ownership level is great,” he said. 

Other delegates included Javed Forde who brought a boldness and confidence to the stage and the charismatic Tramal Whitehall who was in his element.

Organiser and producer Rico Bradshaw described the show as a success and said the programme was working for the young people. Bradshaw said that he wishes for corporate Barbados to get on board for the sake of youth development. (MR)