2. A
fter a year of jubilation, I can truly say entering Miss Caribbean
UK was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My reign as
Queenhas come to an end, but a life filled with opportunities
from entering Miss Caribbean UK has just begun.
It’s been such a busy year where I’ve experienced hitting the red
carpet, walking the runway at Afro Hair and Beauty and being
part of the parade at Notting Hill Carnival. But the highlight of
my year was building a connection with the High Commission of
Antigua and Barbuda. Not only have I been able to be a part of
their fundraising events, I am now an active member with every
intention of making a difference.
To top off the year, I had the wonderful opportunity
of travelling to Antigua, courtesy of sponsor SN Travel
and Designer Travel. During my stay I was treated
like royalty. It’s not every day you get to meet
the Antiguan Prime Minster and members of
Parliament and suddenly realise; “wow I aspire to
beintheirpositiononeday”.IattendedStJoseph’s
Academy and Clare Hall Secondary School where
I was able to give back to the students. It was
here I realised my purpose in life, inspiring and
becoming a true “Ambassador” for Antigua and
Barbuda.
Miss Caribbean UK has given me the platform to
believing anything is possible and opened doors
that I could have never imagined. I would like to
thank Clayton and Jacqui Brown, the Founders
of Miss Caribbean UK, for all their hard work and
support during my reign.
Being Miss Caribbean UK has been such an honour and
a blessing that I hope to inspire the next queen to find
their greatness.
Your 2015 Queen....Amy xxx
3. T
he multi-talented Antigua & Barbuda
beauty, 28 year old Amy Harris-
Willock, stole the show and won
the hearts of the judges with her beauty,
eloquence and cultural awareness, at the
Miss Caribbean UK 2015 beauty pageant,
held at the Shaw Theatre London.
Amy was selected from four finalists at
the Birmingham heat of the pageant
competition on 25 July 2015 at the Red
Gate Chinese Restaurant and Bar, 151
Hurst road, Birmingham with three other
candidates:
• Cassandra Wiggan 24 Jamaican
• Natalija-Paris Hall 20 Jamaican
• Natina-Mae Whitter 28 Jamaican
and went on to join 15 other hopefuls
from around the United Kingdom and was
ultimately crowned Miss Caribbean UK
2015.
However, not only is Amy blessed with
spiritual and aesthetic beauty, she is
also athletically blessed. In 2014 after
competing as a member of UK Athletics,
she transferred her allegiance to Antigua
and Barbuda in recognition of her heritage
and is now a proud member of the Antigua
and Barbuda’s national athletic team.
Amy is currently
the Antigua
and Barbuda
national record
holder for the
long jump and is
hoping to make
the qualifying
distancetoallow
her to compete
in the 2016 Rio
Olympics.
On her application form, she wrote:
“Through my weird gift of jumping into a
sandpit, I was a proud member of Antigua
and Barbuda’s athletic team at the 2014
Commonwealth Games
and the national Long
Jump record holder. I
adore Caribbean food to
music as well pursuing
a Masters in physical
education and sport
science.
The qualities I possess
are hard work and
the ability to perceive
through adversity. My
athletic background
taught me to work hard,
with the opportunity to appreciate the little
things in life by sharing my experiences
and giving back to those in the community.
I aspire to make a difference in schools,
sports and most importantly in life. I have
been fortunate to travel and live the life of
a commonwealth athlete, in which I want
others to follow and reach higher. To be an
ambassador you must make a difference
and engage with those who look up to you”.
Left to Right - Birmingham finalists - Natina-Mae Whitter, Cassandra
Wiggan, Natalija-Paris Hall & Amy Harris-Willock
Recently honoured with B.S.c in Economics
& Business and a M.S.c in Sports Science,
her athletic background has taught her to
work hard and appreciate the little things
in life by sharing her experiences and giving
back to her community. She aspires to make
a difference in schools, sports and most
importantly, in life and wants those who
look up to her to follow in her footsteps and
aim higher.
“Positively promoting the Caribbean”
What is your background?
I was born in Birmingham in the West
Midlands to an Antiguan father and English
mother.
Have you encountered any challenges as a
result of your mixed-race heritage?
I didn’t have any exposure to my Caribbean
background when I was growing up because
my Dad was not around. This led to identity
issues that I have since overcome.
Have you ever visited Antigua?
Yes, I have and it gave me the opportunity to
embrace the Caribbean side of my heritage.
I met family members who in turn embraced
me and the whole experience was very
overwhelming.
What is your occupation?
I am an international professional athlete.
Field or track?
Long jump.
Which country do you represent?
I started out representing Great Britain
but my request to be released in order to
represent Antigua & Barbuda was granted,
so I now represent Antigua & Barbuda at
various international competitions.
Which competitions have you entered?
CommonwealthYouthChampionshipswhere
I won a gold medal and I won a silver medal
at the European Junior Championships. I’ve
also participated in the Antigua & Barbuda
National Championships and Eastern
Caribbean Championships.
Do you hold any records for the sport?
Yes. I broke the Antigua & Barbuda and still
hold the UK under 20’s record.
What made you enter Miss Caribbean UK
2015?
I am competitive by nature and wanted to
try something different.
Click here to watch Amy jump
Amy Harris-Willock - Miss Caribbean UK 2015
4. How did you find the experience?
Itgavemetheopportunitytofurtherconnect
with my Caribbean heritage, in addition to
which, I enjoy staged events.
Would you enter future beauty pageants?
Yes, I would, provided that I’m not ‘too old’.
Who has been the most influential person
in your life to date?
My maternal grandmother.
Why?
She has always supported whatever I wanted
to do and I will always be grateful to her for
that.
Have you travelled to many countries?
Yes, I certainly have.
Which countries have you visited?
IlivedinFloridaforfouryearsandhavevisited
France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland,
China, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa,
Singapore, Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts &
Nevis and the Cayman Islands.
Where would you like to be in five years’
time?
I would like to have my own physiotherapy
clinic.
What advice would you give to others?
Travel as much as possible and grab
opportunities.
Thank you, Amy. It has been a pleasure
interviewing you.
And thank you, Maureen. I have enjoyed
the interview.
To follow Amy Harris-Willock:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amz_gbharris
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
amharris87?fref=ts
Iconosquare: http://iconosquare.com/
amz_8714
Web: www.misscaribbeanuk.com
Interview with Amy Harris-Willock,
Miss Caribbean UK 2015
By Maureen Smith - 28th February 2016
5. On Wednesday 2nd March 2016, the Miss Caribbean UK queen Amy Harris-Willock attended her first official engagement to formally meet Her Excellency
Ms Karen-Mae C. Hill, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda.
Photo’stakenby:BQuavarofBquavsPhotography-07904606907
From left to right: MCUK queen Miss Amy Harris-Willock,
HE Ms Karen-Mae C. Hill, HC for Antigua and Barbuda
From left to right: MCUK Sponsor Yvonne Joseph of Stoke Newington Travel, MCUK Co-
Founder Jacqui Brown, MCUK queen; Amy Harris-Willock, HE Ms Karen-Mae C. Hill, MCUK
Sponsor Althea Dixon of Designer Travel and MCUK Social Media expert Tony Andrews.
From left to right: Ms Leontine Manners OM, Former President and Executive member of the Antigua and
Barbuda National Association ABNA, Ms Maxine Isaac, PR Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda National
Association ABNA, Ms Tracy Browne, President of ABNA, Ms Amy Harris-Willock, Ms Caribbean UK, H.E.
Karen-Mae Hill,High Commissioner, Mr Everton George, Chairman of the WalthamForest, Antigua-Barbuda
and Dominica Twinning Association, Mr Claude Griffiths, Treasurer of ABNA and Treasurer of the Waltham
Forest, Antigua-Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association
6. Photo’stakenby:BQuavarofBquavsPhotography-07904606907
1. Amy Harris-Willock proudly posing with the Antigua and Barbuda flag, 2. Ms Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK and Europe, Antigua
and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Ms Amy Harris-Willock, Ms Caribbean UK , Mr Joel Henry, Manager UK and Europe, Marketing and Business
Development, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, 3. Mr Everton George, Chairman of the Waltham Forest, Antigua Barbuda and Dominica
Twinning Association, Ms Leontine Manners OM, Former President and Executive member of ABNA, Ms Maxine Isaac, PR Officer of the Antigua
and Barbuda National Association ABNA, Mrs Althea Vanderpoole Banahene, Deputy (Minister-Counsellor), 4. Amy with MCUK Co. Founder
Jacqui Brown and Social Media expert Tony Andrews, 5. Amy proudly posing with the Coat of Arms for Antigua and Barbuda.
1
2
3
4
5
7. M
iss Caribbean UK reigning
Queen; Amy Harris-Willock
was invited as a VIP guest
to attend the Diamond Travel and
Virgin Atlantic’s special Caribbean
Evening at the Holte Suite Aston
Villa, Birmingham on Wednesday 9th
March 2016.
This was an enjoyable evening of
entertainment as well as cocktails,
Caribbean cuisine and networking
with special VIP guests including the
two time MViSA Award winning actor
Rudolph Walker OBE (pictured above
with Amy).
8. Amy Harris-Willock with Beverley Knight (Recording
artist).
Amy Harris-Willock with Ainsley Harriott (Celebrity
chef, presenter).
Amy Harris-Willock with Denise Lewis OBE
(Olympic Gold medalist).
Amy Harris-Willock with Charles ‘Chucky’ Venn
(Actor).
Miss Caribbean UK Reigning
Queen; Amy HarrisWillock
shines on the “Screen Nation
Film and Television Awards”
red carpet held at the London
Hilton Metropole, 19th March
2016.
Wearing a stunning design
by AgyeFrance, Amy mingled
with celebrities at the annual
star-studded event.
To experience a year of
mixing with celebrities
and dignitaries, APPLY
NOW to participate in this
year’s competition: http://
www.misscaribbeanuk.
com/#!application/c1kmx
PicsbyTony@BlackInkPhotographic-Tel:07973507458
9. Amy Harris-Willock with Victor Romero Evans
(Actor, singer, songwriter) and Javone Prince
(Award winning comedian, actor, writer).
Amy Harris-Willock with Kojo (Comedian, actor,
writer, film maker).
Amy Harris-Willock with Malachi Kirby (Actor in
Roots 2016 re-make).
Amy Harris-Willock with Rachel Ritfield (Actress,
model, TV Personality)
Amy Harris-Willock with Travis Jay (International
comic, actor, poet & presenter ).
Amy Harris-Willock with Victor Romero Evans
(Actor, singer, songwriter)
Amy Harris-Willock with Joivan Wade (Eastenders
actor).
Amy Harris-Willock with Jackie Agyepong (Olympic
athlete and commonweaktg Silver Medalist)
PicsbyTony@BlackInkPhotographic-Tel:07973507458
10. PicsbyBrianQuavar-BQuavsPhotography-Tel:07904606907
M
iss Caribbean UK - Amy Harris-
Willock supporting the fundraising
launch of the book “Troubling
Freedom: Antigua and The Aftermath
of British Emancipation by Dr. Natasha
Lightfoot.
This event was presented by the Antigua and
Barbuda High Commission in partnership
with Antigua and Barbuda National
Association (London)Waltham Forest,
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica Twinning
Association onFriday 22nd April 2016 .
Natasha Lightfoot is an Assistant Professor
of History and a Faculty Research Fellow of
the Institute for African American Studies at
Columbia University. She teaches Caribbean,
Atlantic World, and African Diaspora History
focusing on the subjects of slavery and
emancipation, black identities, politics, and
cultures.
Dr. Lightfoot received her B.A. in History
from Yale University and her M.A. and
Ph.D. in History from New York University.
She has received fellowships from the Yale
Gilder-Lehrman Centre for the Study of
Slavery, Emancipation & Resistance, the
American Antiquarian Society, and the Ford
Foundation. She has published articles in the
CLR James Journal and Slavery & Abolition.
In addition to her scholarship, Natasha
remains dedicated to the Caribbean
communities from which she has come, and
toexpandingknowledgeabouttheCaribbean
and about Black history as a whole. She has
led many Black history workshops with New
York City public school teachers and has
mentored many college-aspiring Bronx high
school students.
She also has lectured on Antiguan and
Barbudan history at numerous conferences
and community events both in New York
City and in Antigua. She serves on several
academic and community organisation
boards, including the Association for the
Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora
and the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations
Support Commission. Since 2005 she has
been married to Matthew Swain, a radiologic
technologist at NYU Cancer Centre, and
togethertheyhavetwosons,EvanandAvery.
The richness of her heritage has always
driven her throughout her career, and she
admires her parents most of all for always
encouraging her to succeed and to never
forget her Antiguan and Barbudan roots.
Miss Caribbean UK - Amy
Harris-Willock supporting the
fundraising launch of the book
"Troubling Freedom: Antigua
and The Aftermath of British
Emancipation by Dr. Natasha
Lightfoot.
This event was presented by
the Antigua and Barbuda High
Commission in partnership with
Antigua and Barbuda National
Association (London)Waltham
Forest, Antigua and Barbuda,
Dominica Twinning Association
onFriday 22nd April 2016
Book Launch of
“Troubling Freedom: Antigua and the Aftermath of
British Emancipation”
Author - Dr Natasha Lightfoot
11. PicsbyBrianQuavar-BQuavsPhotography-Tel:07904606907
Dr Natasha Lightfoot autographs books that are
purchased by audience members
Artists - Nite Blues Steelband greet the audience
HE Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner, Miss Amy
Harris-Willock and Author Dr. Natasha Lightfoot
Artists - Ms Maxine Sparkles sings for the audience Artist - Ms Launee Richards plays the cello
Minister-Counsellor Althea Vanderpoole Banahene,
Miss Amy Harris-Willock and HC for Mauritius in
London, Mr Girish Nunkoo
Artists - Ms Linda Carriere sings the National Anthem
of Antigua and Barbuda
Artist - Ms Aurnshel Richardson sings for the audience
Amy Harris-Willock, Miss Caribbean delivering Vote of
Thanks
Compere for the evening: Ms Dawn Thomas. Antigua and Barbuda National Association PRO Maxine
Isaac introduces Dr Natasha Lightfoot
Special guest - Councillor Sade Etti, Hackney Speaker of
the House
12. MCUK’s Amy Harris-
Willock rocks the
runway at the
annual Afro Hair &
Beauty LIVE show.
R
enowned for attracting the largest
numberof visitorsfrom acrossblackhair,
beauty, health and lifestyle categories,
Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE – Europe’s largest
consumer show for black women – opened
its doors and welcomed a record number
of visitors to the 35th Afro Hair & Beauty
LIVE 2016 which took place on Sunday 29th
- Monday 30th May. Pat Pekter CEO of Afro
Hair & Beauty LIVE said: “I was delighted with
the number of visitors who turned out for this
year. Ticket sales leading up to the show were
up 20% on last year. We have a strong and
loyal customer base which year on year, sees
visitors to Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE continue
to grow”.
Over 75 leading hair and beauty brands
showcased their latest products and
services. Visitors witnessed a host of
activities including the Afropolitan Fashion
Show which included six Parisian designers,
the Afro Chic Boutique, the annual Live
Panel Stage Debate, educational seminars,
competitions, giveaways, beauty treatments,
complimentary massages, facials and health
check-ups.
Miss Caribbean UK – Amy Harris-Willock
rockedtherunwayonbothdayswheretophair
and beauty social media influencers joined
the social event of the season collaborating
with brands and discussing new innovations
in hair products. Special guests included E!
Network and former Radio 1 Xtra host Sarah
Jane Crawford, Britain’s Stronger In Europe
campaigner June Sarpong, comedian Kojo,
award winning actress and social media stars.
Beauty blogger Georgia-Blu Begg (left) with Afro Hair
and Beauty organisers Grace Kelly (centre) and Verna
McKenzie (right)
13. MCUK were featured on the “Tell Vanessa” show, a new TV show focusing
on current affairs, reality talk and debates and highlighting community
and business issues. The show also discusses various dilemmas and
showcases good music.
Click on the following link to view: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=H8hnYJI11bw
W: www.tellvanessa.com / F: www.facebook.com/tellvanessa /
In: https://www.instagram.com/tellvanessa / T: https://twitter.com/
tell_vanessa
14. PHOTOGRAPHYBY-Dinesh’sphotography
MCUK enjoys the 2016 Nottinghill Carnival with
Lagniappe Mas Band
M
iss Caribbean UK were honoured
to collaborate and take part
at the 50th Anniversary of the
N o t t i n g h i l l
C a r n i v a l
curtsey of
the mas band
“ L a g n i a p p e
Mas”.
Lagniappe Mas
is a UK based
masquerade
band that
embodies its love for carnival through its
attention to detail and quality delivery.
From their Premium Costumes, and Award
WinningSoundSystemtotheirProfessional
Team, they give their masquerader’s the
ULTIMATE CARNIVAL EXPERIENCE.
Band leader Roddy Maharaj and his lovely
band assistant Shermain arranged that
our reigning Queen; Amy Harris-Willock
wore their Mythical LEGENDS costume
“Aphrodite” and the 2016 MCUK Finalists
wore their T-shirts which allowed them to
blend in with the rest of the revellers.
The day started with a hearty breakfast
served by our super hosts; Bernie Rocque
who was assisted by her husband Tony,
and cousins Athinia, Deborah close
friend Marylin.
After breakfast, make-up was applied
by Soni Makeovers whilst photographer
Dinesh captured the moment perfectly.
By 11am, we were all ready and made
our way to meet the truck on Latimer
Road. Team members: Deborah Herbert,
Marilyn, Bernie Rocque, Lorraine McKie,
Sherika McKie, Natina Mae-Whitter and
Raymond Lewis acted as chaperones for
our reigning queen and our 2016 finalists;
Atlanta Cousins-Robinson, Charlotte
Brailsford, Cheniel Henderson; Georgette
Pratt; Jodie Hodgson; Kamala Thompson;
Lorell Boyce; Maria Peters; Natasha Love;
Tahirah Clarke; Tahmar Arayomi and Tanya
Rose Brown and all concerned thoroughly
enjoyed the vibrant carnival vibes.
Amy with MCUK representative - Raynnold Lewis
15. At the airport, about to go on my next
adventure, back to my roots of ANTIGUA
BARBUDA.
Stay tuned to see who I will be meeting and how
I will be making difference to the most important
people in the world, our youths of today.
Big thank you to the founders of Miss Caribbean
UK, Clayton and Jacqui Brown, the Miss
Caribbean UK sponsors of this trip; SN Travel
and Designer Travel and the Antigua and
Barbuda High Commissioner for making this
trip possible.
Enjoying the first night relaxing
at Pineapple Beach Club. Feels
like home
Amy’s
on her trip to
Antigua and Barbuda
Blog
Enjoying my leisure
day before the
real work begins,
representing Miss
Caribbean UK.
16. Today was unreal and it was a privilege and honour to meet two amazing people:
Hon. Charles Fernandez Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade
Gaston Browne the 4th and current Prime Minister of
Antigua and Barbuda
Amy’s
on her trip to
Antigua and Barbuda
Blog
17. Morning session for Miss Caribbean UK at
the Observer Am Radio Station with chat
host, Darren. Talking about how pageantry
and sport has made me the empowered black
woman I am today. Loved every second of it.
Amy’s
on her trip to
Antigua and Barbuda
Blog
18. Busy afternoon at the famous Sir
Vivian Richards Stadium.
Great to reconnect with Hon. E.P.
Chet Greene and the Antiguan
Olympic Association.
Amy’s
on her trip to
Antigua and Barbuda
Blog
19. A busy day with an early morning
appearance for Miss Caribbean UK.
An appearance on the Good Morning
Antigua and Barbuda Television show.
What an amazing experience.
Amy’s
on her trip to
Antigua and Barbuda
Blog
20. The highlight of my trip was
reaching out to St Joseph's
Academy and Clare Hall
Secondary School.
The students really touched my
heart.
Amy’s
on her trip to
Antigua and Barbuda
Blog
#rolemodel
#givingback
#charity
#youthoftoday
#inspiration
#importantpeople
#sportstudent
#sport
21. One of Amy’s final engagements at the 30TH ANNIVERSARY OFFICIAL LAUNCH FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION COUNCIL CANDIDACY COCKTAIL RECEPTION
courtesy of the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission.
Photography by: Brian Quavar
