THE 19 delegates vying for the Miss Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 2015 title were last Wednesday sashed at the auditorium, Base Camp Ayanganna, by their respective commanders. Amidst loud cheers, the female soldiers, representing various units, sub-units and departments of the Guyana Defence Force, introduced themselves and gave a brief description of the units/departments which they will be representing.Unlike traditional pageants, the Miss GDF 2015 Pageant is not all about pomp and ceremony. In her opening remarks, Commanding Officer of the Women Army Corps (WAC), Lieutenant Colonel Natasha Standford, said, “The Miss Guyana Defence Force Pageant is not only a beauty pageant, but rather an organised showcase of the physical fitness, marksmanship, talent, poise and eloquence of a military woman.”

The ceremony was the first of five activities for the delegates. September 10, 2015, is the date set for the Talent Competition. On September 24-25, 2015, there will be a Run and Shoot Competition where the delegates physical fitness and marksmanship abilities would be tested. This would be followed by a Swim Suit Competition on October 7, 2015. The coronation event is set for October 23, 2015, at the National Cultural Centre. The delegates will be competing in evening wear and will also battle for high scores in the intelligence segment. The Miss Guyana Defence Force Pageant is among several activities organised to celebrate the Force’s 50th Anniversary.

The sashing also featured live music from the Guyana Defence Force Frontline Band, a dance performance by the Classique Dance Group and a special song by civilian Jennifer Jones. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, other senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force, Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Junior Non-Commissioned Officers, soldiers, special invitees, and civilian staff.