Sociology student Gauthier (19) was among five finalists to emerge as a result of the SMS voting. Three girls were eliminated; Manouska Minvil, Audrey Sabbatier and Dina Laurore, but still received prizes.

With the second, third and fourth runner-ups announced by President of the Jury Alex Pierre, the suspense was palpable as Gauthier and Lisandre Nicoise awaited their fate to see who would be winner and first runner-up.

The well-deserved first runner-up place went to Lisandre Nicoise, who had a tearful attack of nerves in the interview segment, but recovered well to get her message across and receive a big applause for her courage.

2012 winner Suzon Bonnet and the tall, elegant, Miss France 2014 Flora Coquerel on her first visit to St. Martin, assisted in transferring the crown and winner’s sash to Gauthier.

Alizé Schiller was second runner-up, Gilda Parisot third runner-up and Yvonne Madramootoo fourth runner-up. All the contestants received prizes, bouquets of flowers and gift baskets by Frederic M.

Gauthier was also voted Miss Sympathy by the other contestants for her humble and friendly nature. Among her prizes she won a return ticket to Paris, a ticket to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in connection with the Miss France preparation, and a stay at the four-star Marquis Boutique Hotel and Spa with breakfast included. Similar prizes were awarded to the four runner-ups.

Dina Laurore won the Jury Prize and Yvonne Madromootoo the Committee Prize.

Earlier the eight beautiful contestants made three appearances in front of the jury around the swimming pool; in traditional Caribbean wear, Asian-themed swim wear, and evening wear with an Indian theme. Among the criteria, judges were looking for elegance, speech, suitability of the contestant to represent St. Martin, and cultural characteristics. The final segment was a one-question interview with each contestant. The question was for what reasons should the jury choose you to represent St. Martin at Miss France.

In between segments invited guests were treated to first-class musical entertainment. Performing throughout the evening was the excellent Akoustyle group playing popular contemporary hits. Other performers included Bee-Hype Dance Crew, singer Kenyo Baly, and a star in the making, 10-year-old Tamilia Chance, who sang twice in front of the audience, working the stage without a hint of shyness or stage fright.

Other personalities introduced during the evening included Miss France committee representative Olivier Noel, the 2014 Prom King and Queen of the Student Ball on the French side, and Junior Tourism Minister Adriane Sylvestre.

Of note watching the show was renowned artist Mounette Radot (82), who in her earlier life became a model for L’Oreal.

The evening was opened by First Vice-President Guillaume Arnell. Also present were Vice-President Ramona Connor, Independent Councillor Jules Charville, MP Daniel Gibbs and President of St. Martin Tourism Office Jeanne Rogers-Vanterpool.

The show was emceed by David Eugene and co-presenter Sarolia Ada provided English translation.