Khephra Sylvester was crowned as Miss British Virgin Islands 2017 on 6th August 2017, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town. The theme of the pageant was ‘Beauty With Purpose; Evolution of Pride and Culture’. She succeeds last year's winner Erika Creque and will represent Islands at Miss World 2017, scheduled to be held on 18th November 2017, and also at Miss Universe 2017, also scheduled to be held later this year.
Having won the 2017 title, she said, “It means everything that I was able to put my best foot forward and rise above the negativity.”She also shared that she is excited to begin her reign and represent the Territory as best as she can, especially at the Miss Universe Pageant, which has been a dream for her since she was a child. “I grew up watching Miss Universe; this is so exciting”, she further said.
The newly-crowned queen was also awarded in the Best Intellect and Best Interview categories. With the title of Miss BVI 2017, Sylvester also earned a 2017 Toyota Yaris, $5,000 cash, jewellery, and a $20,000 educational grant.
“Oh my goodness, it feels good! At first, I was a little worried thinking that I would not win. I was little nervous, but the judges’ decision touched me when they said ‘Contestant #6, I probably think that my consistency is what helped me to win this title, because I only won two segments. I would assume that I was consistent in the others – high enough to put me to the top,” Slyvester said after the victory.
At the same contest, Ayana Phillip and Helina Hewlett were titled as First runners up and Lean Francis was announced as the Second Runner up.
Hewlett also won Best Talent, Best Evening Wear, Best Cultural and Historical Costume, and the Miss Photogenic categories. Philip, on the other hand, took home the award for Best Swimwear and Most Poised.