Non-Verbal Kittitian to Represent SKN at Pageant
BASSETERRE — A St. Kitts and Nevis native who lost her voice to cancer is preparing to represent the federation on an international stage, using the moment to show that a person’s voice can take many forms.
Monique Smith, a mother, educator, artist and community advocate now based in Florida, will represent St. Kitts and Nevis at the Miss International World pageant at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale this September. Smith is non-speaking and communicates through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), American Sign Language (ASL) and writing.
“I’m Monique Smith, a proud native of St. Kitts-Nevis, mother, educator, artist, and community advocate,” she said through a speech application. “This September, I am honored to represent St. Kitts-Nevis at the Miss International World Pageant in Fort Lauderdale. I enter to challenge myself, celebrate my journey, and inspire others. As a non-speaking woman who communicates through AAC and ASL, I want to show that our voices can be powerful in many different ways and that no obstacle should limit our dreams.”
Smith was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2018 and underwent surgery the following year.
“My journey was challenging, but I refused to let cancer define me,” she said. “Through it all, I learned to appreciate life in a completely different way. My experience taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of advocating for your health. Today, I use my story to encourage others to stay hopeful, get checked, and never give up.”
The illness left Smith with bilateral vocal cord paralysis, a condition that affects her ability to speak, breathe and swallow.
“It has changed the way I communicate and navigate everyday life,” she said. “I use AAC, ASL, writing, and other forms of communication to express myself. Daily activities can sometimes be challenging, but this journey has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of advocating for myself. I have learned that not having a speaking voice does not mean I do not have a voice.”
Smith said her two children are her greatest source of inspiration, and she urged fellow nationals to carry pride in their twin-island home wherever life takes them.
“I want the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to see that no matter where life takes you, you can carry your roots with you and make a difference,” she said. “I hope my journey inspires others back home to dream boldly, embrace their uniqueness, and never allow challenges to stop them from pursuing their goals. I am proud to represent my country and show that the strength and spirit of Kittitians can shine anywhere in the world.”
Her message to those back home is one of persistence.
“Life has tested me in many ways, but I’ve learned that resilience, faith, and determination can help us overcome difficult moments,” she said. “If my journey can give even one person hope, courage, or the strength to not give up, then sharing my story is worth it.”
