BASSETERRE: Hundreds gathered at Warner Park on January 5 for a candlelight vigil celebrating the life of Janet Johnson, a beloved figure who dedicated over three decades to shaping St. Kitts and Nevis’ carnival and pageantry scene.
Johnson, a renowned coach and mentor, touched countless lives through her unwavering commitment to uplifting young women. Friends, relatives, and members of the carnival and pageant community shared emotional tributes, lighting candles as they reflected on her profound impact.
Her influence extended across generations of pageant contestants, including Miss Taerani Phillip, with those who knew her describing how she “poured her heart and soul into every young woman she mentored.”
In a poignant moment of timing, Johnson recently witnessed her daughter, Tatiyana Archer, crowned Miss Teen St. Kitts and Nevis—a testament to the values and dedication she instilled in her own family.
The vigil served as both a commemoration of Johnson’s remarkable 30-year legacy in national carnival and pageantry and a unifying moment for a community in mourning. Organizers emphasized the event’s dual purpose: honoring an extraordinary life while bringing people together during difficult times.
Attendees remembered Johnson not only for her professional contributions but for the strength, dedication, and love she shared generously with everyone around her. Her legacy lives on through the many young women she mentored and the carnival traditions she helped shape throughout her distinguished career in St. Kitts and Nevis.