Amid criticism, Tourism decides STX festival will have a queen

There will be a Miss St. Croix after all. And it’s thanks in part to the advocacy of former Tourism Assistant Commissioner Claire Roker, who was aghast that the Crucian Christmas Festival could possibly go on without the tradition of a reigning queen.

“After review and consideration, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announces Miss Markeymah Cargile will be crowned as Miss St. Croix Festival Queen 2024-2025,” the department announced in a Monday statement. “As a community, we understand the historical and cultural significance of the Queen pageants throughout the territory and continue to encourage the rising generations to partake in and elevate the rich traditions of our islands.”

The statement comes nearly two weeks after Roker, in an Oct. 14 online post, called out the department for rejecting the single contestant who had applied — and who by virtue of being the only applicant had been dubbed the winner by Division of Festival officials. Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte apparently rejected the decision, and Roker directed her post to him, noting she “was tired of St. Croix being a stepchild.”

“Not having a Queen for St. Croix is unacceptable Commissioner, you need to rethink your decision and accept the young lady who applied and get her ready for this Ambassador position,” said Roker, a longtime chair of pageants that include the then Hal Jackson’s V.I. Talented Teen. “Commissioner, have you ever run a Pageant? Would you allow this to happen to St. Thomas, I don’t think so. St. Croix wants a queen, and we are entitled to have one,” she added.