Written by Telesha Ramnarine
NINE lovely young ladies are now set to compete in the ‘Leguan Nite’ pageantry, billed for the Greens Park Ground come November 9, having been sponsored and sashed Friday evening. The event, in the form of a simple ‘sashing’ ceremony, was held at the former well-known President Hotel at the front of the island in Enterprise, a stone’s throw away from the stelling on the island of Leguan.

New owner of the hotel, Mr. Peter Tikaram, was kind enough to grant permission for use of the place. This event advanced by at least one step plans to stage the first-ever ‘Leguan Nite’, and organizers are busy putting the rest in place.

The young ladies participating in the pageant are Taramattie Oudit, 22, of Good Intent; Natasha Sookraj, 21, of Doornhaag; Tajewantie Rampersaud, 22, also of Doornhaag; Devika Mahase, 16, of Endeavour; Serika Parsram, 16, of Blenheim; Tabitha Persaud, 19, of Cheltenham; Indranie Rampattie, 21, of Endeavour; Adiola Austin, 19, of Louisiana; and Roxanne St. Hill, whose particulars this reporter was unfortunate not to obtain.

Sponsorship for the girls came from Mr. Fredrick Freeman of the USA; Mr. Fizul Khan; LP Doobay and Son; Chand’s Rice Milling Enterprise; Mr. Ronnie Baichu; Fast Relief Pharmacy; Tularam and Sons; Blue Choice, and Pulse Entertainment.

Leguan residents believe their island has the potential to become one of Guyana’s top tourist attractions and destinations; and the Leguan Night Organising Committee, consisting of residents of the island, is collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to make the event a reality in expectation of drawing attention to Leguan.

Organisers are busy finalizing arrangements for staging the Leguan Night, and the work seems to be progressing fine. Banks DIH Ltd, Gizmos and Gadgets and Shoe Haven have already confirmed their participation, and the Shakti Strings Orchestra would be on hand to provide music.

An impressive series of events has been planned for Leguan Night, commencing with activities on the beach at the eastern end of the island, and culminating in the evening with the pageant. The activities on the beach, such as volleyball, cricket, other games and competitions, will kick off at 10 am. The pageant will start at 7 pm.

Food and drinks would be on sale at Greens Park Ground, and there will be other attractions. Some residents, for instance, would be showcasing products made in Leguan, along with their crops and animals.

Adult tickets are available for $500, while children’s tickets cost just $200.

The Leguan Nite Facebook Page said: “Planning your vacation?? Well, November is the month…. Bring yourself and family to Leguan and the first-ever Leguan Nite!!!! Enjoy the timeless beauty of pristine nature with speedboat and horse cart rides…. Sun bathe on the beautiful beach, and for those who have been away for a while, there (are) still mango trees to be climbed, fishes to be caught, chicken foot and fudge to be had…Aunty Shirley food stand to be visited.”

Furthermore, a statement from the Organising Committee said: “If you wish to be part of this historic event, you can sponsor one of the contestants, who will promote your company throughout the entire journey. Sponsorship cost is not very expensive. Or if you wish to sponsor any other event of this activity, we would humbly accept your contribution, and you can be assured that your company will be promoted throughout this venture.”

Coordinator of the event, Ms. B. Khan, can be contacted on 612-7682; or the Assistant Coordinator, Ms J. Carter, can be contacted on 676-5511.
Head of the Culture Committee is Ms Philomena Chintamani; Head of the Finance Committee is Mr. Inshan Ayube; Head of the Booth Committee is Ms. Rovena Hayman; Head of the Grounds Committee is Mr. Dwarka Persaud (Ghandi), and Head of the Tourism Committee is Mr. Mustapha Zaman. “These are very competent, dedicated and hard working residents of Leguan,” the Organising Committee has said.

And the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has indicated that it fully supports and endorses the inaugural Leguan Night. “This community-planned event…will showcase its people, culture, community and tourism product. We anticipate that this event will be an annual one.

“We are kindly asking that you support this initiative and the committee in their effort to secure sponsorship in cash or kind, which will undoubtedly lead to a sustainable event that will see growth year to year.

“The benefits of your sponsorship of this event will include branding, advertising mileage, and brand positioning, among other benefits,” the GTA said.