UNDER the theme ‘Love’s Showtime’, this year’s annual Mother and Daughter Pageant was full of dazzling colour and intense creativity as the organisers presented a pageant with a difference this time around.

Designer Dereck Moore should certainly be showered with accolades for the brilliant and very extravagant décor.
From the stage props, to the décor, to the smart choreography all around, this year’s pageant, as echoed by many in the audience, was certainly the best ever.
After a thrilling performance by the National Dance Company, the first contestants took to the stage in the Junior Category.
And it was a perfect way to open a show as Oneca Neblett and daughter Ariana seemed to float on the stage in shimmering pink. And the little Ariana was so peppy and on fire that the entire audience screamed in delight at her ‘young girl sauciness’.
And these two certainly served up pleasant surprises when they both attached ‘fairy like fabric pieces’ to the bodice of their attire, causing the pieces to twinkle and shimmer with angelic highlights. It was no surprise when they were announced the winners in this segment. In second place were the beautiful Candy Bryan and Jada. Many felt that if they had spiced up their choreography a little more they could have maybe carted of the top position in this segment.
Luanni Lowe and Xaviera were stunning and very elegant and certainly presented eye-catching choreography which afforded them the third position in the Junior Category.
Also very impressive were Natasha Payne and daughter Winesha. Little Winesha seemed intent on winning and was certainly putting on a show, but her mother evidently lacked the confidence to seal the deal.
Donna Isles and Linesha were also very good on stage and truly displayed deep love and contentment between mom and daughter. Misfortune struck when the buckle of Linesha’s shoe came apart thus hampering her movements. But her smart mom acted as if it was part of their routine and gracefully fixed the problem and continued like nothing was amiss.

The Middle Category
This category evoked lots of excitement in the audience as the contestants brought their best act to the stage. Both mothers and daughters unsheathed varying moods with the choreography they brought on stage.
The crowd whooped in delight as the contestants served up electrifying portions of suave, sultry vogue, tropical sauciness, and in many cases, towering veneers of sophistication, even as they still managed to maintain that bond of love and affection which was really what the pageant was all about.
First on stage was Lataya Carter and Nikia, and they wooed both judges with their presentation and frothy, dreamy green attire. And everyone loved the pretty green hats they wore and matching accessories. They were adjudged the winners in this category.
Sandra King-Lowe and the smiling Tiandra appeared next and talk about saucy; the mother really had it going on. Their presentation was great and could best be described as one of the most graceful and perfect presentations in this segment. The timing was perfect and they certainly worked in coordination which each other.
Geneva Sammy and Geanna were very impressive too and received thunderous applause when they removed the skirting of their gowns to reveal attractive knee length ‘peddle pushers’ beneath. The aura of love and harmony was distinct between these two contestants.
The smooth operators were Valuda Welcome and Maria, but maybe the ride to the judge’s hearts was not so smooth so they failed to place in the competition.
Some felt that Lorraine Duke and Jennay needed a little more bubble in their choreography, but what they brought to the stage was a fresh rush of love and laughter shared by a mother and daughter, and it was felt throughout the audience judging from their response. Eventually they were afforded the third position for their exploits.
Other dazzling participants were Samanta Aaron and Brea, who stormed the stage determined to rake in a top spot and they indeed succeeded and were given the second place position.
Hemwantie Rajkumar and Saarah seemed not confident, but they were encouraged by the appreciative crowd. Saarah was a good contender but her mom was certainly not confident.
Natasha Caldera and Nivia were the fun performers of the night and were well applauded for their efforts.

The Final Showdown
As anticipated, the senior category brought ‘the real fun’ and the audience really had their money’s worth. The bigger gals really came out to play and their daughters were tumultuously sassy as well.
Nicole Willkiams and Utieka were pleasing to the eyes and they certainly flaunted their attire like angels.
Then disaster struck when Paula Bristol and Nadine appeared.
While the gown for the daughter was excellent the mother’s was too.
This duo caused quite a stir in the National Cultural Centre.
Next up were Shonette Gomes and Tishana and these two ladies were just adorable. They must have rehearsed properly and never missed a step in their presentation.
Then two majestic angels flew to the stage and the crowd definitely revelled in their presence. The smiles were pure and the highlights of love and deep affection danced like fireflies in their eyes.
And when they touched, one could almost feel the pull of the bond between them.
Then came Alphina Albert and Sheneka and they presented well and were certainly crowd pleasers.
Hell broke loose when the very full figured Yvonne George and Latoya came on stage. And again their designer should be throttled for fitting two such large women in such body-hugging attire.
Nevertheless the ladies presented well and seemed happy with each other throughout the entire presentation.
When Cheryl Jones and Kimberly appeared they sizzled indeed. And even though Kimberly almost tripped, she recovered nicely to deliver a dazzling act. They copped the third position in the competition.
Kim Gomes-Dainty and Shannai were the superwomen of the night and the audience loudly sounded their approval. These two just stepped on their throttles with confidence and great charisma and raked in the second position in their category.
Other pleasing performers were Carlotta Joseph and Jovetta, but it was Wendy Griffith and Melissa who sent the audience into wild and thunderous cheering.
The moment the daughter appeared the audience echoed their delight. She was sexy and serene and worked her curves to the limit. But she was no match for her elegant mother who stepped on the stage with the sultriness, and provocative allure more associated with the international runway divas of our time.
She minced her steps very suggestively, rolled her hips seductively and let loose waves of captivating allure that seemed to smother both judges and audience. And she was surely confident and proud of her presentation.
In the end, they were crowned the winners in this leg of the competition. And they brought the curtain down on a night of blissful and riveting entertainment.
Thumbs up to the organisers of this very prestigious pageant.