Miss BVI contestants share stories of courage and purpose

Three incredible young women are vying for this year’s title of Miss British Virgin Islands — a decision they say has challenged them to step beyond their comfort zones while inspiring both themselves and others.

Contestants Kala Penn, Angelique Beyoncé Lettsome and Asha Hyndman shared their personal journeys with BVI News, reflecting on the fears they continue to overcome and the purpose driving their pursuit of the crown.

For Penn, the national triple jump record holder, entering the pageant was about showing another side of herself beyond athletics.

“I wanted to challenge myself in a new way,” she said. “Many people know me as Kala the athlete. While I’m proud of that chapter, but I recognise that I have so much more to offer as a leader, ambassador and advocate.”

Penn said her platform, ‘Holistic Wellness: A Journey to Self-Mastery’, encourages people to embrace personal growth and commit to becoming the best version of themselves.

“It encourages people to understand that life is about becoming your best self. It’s a lifelong commitment to do so,” she explained.

Asked what winning the title would mean to her, Penn described it as “an incredible honour.”

Overcoming shyness

Meanwhile, Lettsome said she entered the competition to overcome the shyness that once made it difficult for her to express herself.

“I grew up very shy. It was very hard for me to communicate with people, and I really wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone,” she said, adding that watching previous contestants and titleholders inspired her to pursue the crown.

“I saw just how much Miss BVI impacted other young women when it came to their confidence, their ability to speak their minds and share their thoughts. So I thought this platform would give me the opportunity to develop in that way as well.”

Lettsome’s platform, ‘Past, Present, Purpose’, promotes understanding one’s history as a pathway to living a more intentional and purpose-filled life. She also believes many young people in the Virgin Islands have become connected to different people and cultures through social media but are not as deeply rooted in their own identity and heritage.

A former contestant in Miss Junior BVI and Miss University of the Virgin Islands, Lettsome said capturing the crown would represent a deeply personal victory.

“It would mean everything. I think it would be a reminder to that young girl who may have thought she wasn’t capable and that her voice wasn’t powerful enough. But when you set your mind to something, push yourself and work towards your goals, you can do anything.”

Confronting a fear of criticism

Hyndman said her decision to enter the pageant was driven by a desire to confront her fear of public criticism while representing the Virgin Islands.

“I had a fear of criticism when it came to being in the public eye,” she explained. “Being able to face that fear through the pinnacle of pageantry, which is Miss BVI, and being able to say that I did it and prove to myself that I can do great things is one of the reasons I entered.”

She also hopes to inspire others by sharing her experience living with keratoconus, an eye condition that affects the cornea.

“I suffer from an eye disease called keratoconus, and being able to do great things despite any challenge you face in life is a testament to resilience,” Hyndman said.

Her platform, ‘Looking Good: Eye Care Education for All’, seeks to educate, advocate and motivate people to prioritise their eye health, seek early intervention and help build a more accessible community.

While Hyndman said she would be honoured to wear the crown, she insisted her motivation extends far beyond the pageant itself.

“I am not here for a sash on my chest or a crown on my head. I am here for service, and I’m ready to answer the calling. If I am entrusted with the title of Miss British Virgin Islands, I will stand as a role model for our people.”

The three contestants will compete for the Miss British Virgin Islands crown on Sunday, August 2.