Miss Mainstay/Whyaka crowned Regional Amerindian Queen
MISS Mainstay/Whyaka, Ahidie Pearson was crowned Regional Amerindian Queen of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) last Saturday night at Xenon International Hotel, Restaurant, Bar and Night Spot at Charity, Essequibo Coast. She defeated four others in the rivalry for the crown, at the show which attracted a large crowd. It was held under the theme ‘Consolidating and expanding frontiers for Amerindian development.’
Pearson represented Mainstay/Whyaka and her rivals were Pearl Stoll (Akawini), Capoey (Rizpa Henry), Shinida Williams (Kabakaburi) and Nikitia Prince (Mashabo).
The contestants, backed by scores of residents from their various communities, were in a hotly contested race and were required to perform a talent piece, display traditional wear of their respective communities and participate in an intelligence test.
In the talent competition, Nikitia Prince won the prize for her dramatic poem ‘I am proud to be an Amerindian.’
Miss Capoey, 15-year-old Rizpa Henry sang ‘We ain’t giving up not a blade of grass’ to the roar of the crowd and Pearson recited a dramatic poem, ‘This is time for we to be pon the front line.’
All the contestants were attired traditionally to reflect their respective focus on the cultural life of Amerindians.
In the questions and answers segment, Pearson was very fluent in her reply when asked, “As a leader of a community, what would you do to develop Amerindian communities?”
At the conclusion of the pageant, the judges, three men and one woman, who had to score on presentation 10 points; talent 25 points; traditional wear 30 points and answers 25 points, unanimously declared in favour of Pearson.
Miss Capoey was first runner-up, Miss Mashabo third and fourth was Miss Kabakaburi.
The winner, who was crowned by reigning Amerindian Regional Queen, Miss Sarah Henry, will represent Region Two at the National Pageant.
Other prizes, Miss Best Smile went to Miss Capoey, while Miss Akawini copped the Best Cultural Wear.
Among those in attendance were Region Two Chairman, Mr Alli Baksh, who congratulated the Hinterland Department of the Regional Administration for organising the activity. He said those who contested performed excellently and wished the new Regional Amerindian Queen good luck at the National Pageant.
Also attending was Regional Vice-Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo and scores of government officials.