After a packed programme, that saw appearances by 18 contestants, second-year University of Guyana student Devya Singh was crowned Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship at the inaugural pageant last Saturday (See other story in this issue) with Naheeryah Newland as first runner-up and Christel Mangra in third place.
The evening saw swift elimination to 10 contestants and then the final 5 were chosen based on their all-round performances throughout the preliminary competitions and the on-stage categories. The other 2 contestants making up the final 5 were Omaiah Hall and Jasmaine Assanah. Meanwhile, the others who made it through the first round of elimination were Ashley Sands, Carolann Correia, Ramiesa Ganesh, Sarona Fraser and Nia Williams.
All 18 contestants performed their choreographed ballroom dances with their partners drawn from the Disney princess they had been assigned.
In addition, all 18 contestants competed for the Best Gown award. Each gown showed off the personality of its wearer. Some dazzled, there was finesse and grace as well as poise and elegance. But it was Omaiah’s unique yellow balloon gown, detailed in pink chiffon ruffles and flowers that outshone all others.
The night also saw performances by the top four contestants in talent: Nia, Naheeryah, Jasmaine and Omaiah; Jasmaine won this category.
The girls chosen as the final 5 had to be consistent in all categories. Scores for the various categories were: Essay on Women’s Rights (15), Stage Presentation (20), Community Outreach Project (15), Talent Presentation (20), Personality Interview (20), Introduction Presentation (10), Ballroom Presentation (50) and Evening Wear Presentation (10). However, once they made it into the final all scores were erased.
Each of the 5 finalists was asked the same question and while this was being done, her 4 competitors were locked in a car outside of the building. The final question, valued at 50 points, was: The Women’s Rights Movement has always maintained equal rights between men and women. So, considering gender equality, should a man still give up his seat or hold a door open for a woman? None of the 5 girls appeared to be prepared to answer the question.
Omaiah, who was first said that because both men and women have equal rights, it is up to either party if they choose to give up a seat or open a door for the other. However, certain courtesies should remain despite men and women having equal rights.
Christel said that in today’s society both genders fight for equal rights but not equal responsibility and therefore a man shouldn’t feel obligated to do so. However, if a woman was struggling then a man should very well give up his seat.
Jasmaine, though she fumbled first, defined gender inequality before going on to say that she believes a man should open the door or give up his seat for a woman as it shows he is respectful and courteous.
Naheeryah got straight to the point saying she believes a man should still do those things as they showed genuine love, politeness and respect to women.
Devya disagreed that a man didn’t have to do so because of equal rights and went on to state that while men and women were different and each strong in their own way, one should not close the door on the other, but each should be equal in their own way.
Each contestant was awarded a certificate of completion along with a hairpin crown as each was considered a princess.
The People’s Choice Award was by ballot and saw audience members writing the name of the contestant they wanted to vote for on a piece of paper and placing it in a box. Omaiah won with 108 votes of the 500 cast. The other awards went to Rayshana Gillis (Most Improved), Quissieana Odle (Miss Congeniality), Jasmaine (Best Talent and Best Ballroom Presentation in the Preliminaries), Ashley Sands (Best Multimedia Presentation), Ramiesa (Best Ballroom Presentation on pageant night) and Naheeryah (Miss Photogenic). The other contestants were Daniela Aravjo, Ariel Alexander, Shazeena Ghannie, Niara Amsterdam, Tamasha Oxford and Kizza McLeod
Wasim said that initially he was hoping to offer an $800,000 scholarship, but $400,000 would have to do this year. The 18 quarterfinalists, he said, were chosen from 35 entries after thorough assessment. Sponsors and others to whom gratitude was extended included KFC, 55 Photography, Guywill Ship, Clean and Clear, Fuze Arts, Ministry of the Presidency, Bella Oasis, Amavani, Medical Choice Pharmacy, Colin-Muneshwar’s Travel Service, Branderz Guyana, Candy Corner, I Aniroud Stationery and Office Supplies, St Joseph High School, National Cultural Centre and Pageant Coach Paul Charles.
