I AM becoming increasingly tired of the attitude of many of our beauty queens, who, after just winning a simple local pageant, begin to act all stuck up and so snobbish, that even their loyal fans are put off by their attitude. Ever so often, some of our beauty queens transform from their former merry souls, to individuals who strut around looking at others with disdain, with their noses so high in the air that it’s a miracle they do not

trip and fall over. Now that would be quite a laugh!
Just recently, however, I had the rare opportunity of interacting for about two hours with one of our local queens, and I feel I must share this experience with you my readers.
It was quite a refreshing, starry night, and being bored at home, I decided to step out to enjoy some ‘good ‘ole karaoke’ at the Cool Square Bar in Georgetown. My brother badly wanted to come along, so, together, we arrived and took a table quite close to the Karaoke DJ, ‘Melissa’, who was crooning quite seductively into the microphone, receiving thunderous applause after her renditions.
After about half an hour, I looked up and saw Guyana’s very popular beauty queen, Alicia Bess stepping in with a female friend whom I know had represented us at the recent Miss West Indies Pageant.
Now folks, Alicia has always been my favourite girl from the first time I set eyes on her competing for the Miss Guyana Jamzone crown, which she eventually won in 2013, and later moved on to place as first runner-up in the international leg of the event.
I had never really spoken to her before, save for sending an occasional wave or smile her way while attending many prestigious events.
To be honest, I was a tad timid as I waved to her this time around, because I did not know how she would react at this location and in such an atmosphere.
Nevertheless, wave I did and she not only rewarded me with a smile, but, surprisingly, headed my way. She even hugged me, rather warmly I might add, and said, “Hi Alex, it’s such a pleasure to actually meet you in person…” She next said, ever so politely, “Can I join you guys? I had no idea you liked karaoke, Alex.”
Well, my brother was beside himself. So excited was he, that he almost tripped and fell over as he jumped to secure chairs for the pretty lasses. I just couldn’t believe my eyes! I mean, come on folks; it’s not every day one gets to be in the company of a woman of such great status.
As to my goodly sibling, who is a regular scrooge, he began rolling out the dollars like a windmill and in no time our table was full to the brim with various beverages and cutters the ladies desired.
Alicia offered to pay for the stuff, but my brother would not hear of it. And I was so shocked that he never even asked me what I wanted to drink. I had to get up and fetch myself some brown rum and coke, or else I would have been left there with my mouth dry as ever.
Conversation flowed freely and Alicia was so smooth, moving from one interesting topic to another. And she was so abreast with current affairs that she actually surprised me… And inside I was having a laugh of my own, because my brother ‘seemed lost in the mist’ as to the topics we were discussing…
This girl was so charming and down-to-earth, and in no time I felt as if we were best friends for years. But I was in for another pleasant surprise when she took the microphone and began to sing lustily the latest Riannah, Madonna, and Beyonce hit songs…
When her favourite songs were being played, Alicia grabbed me to my feet to dance although I loudly protested. I told her I am not the best soul dancer but she pulled me up and took me through the paces giggling and reassuring me that I was doing quite fine. Inside I gloated because my brother couldn’t move a muscle on the dance floor when it came to the waltz or ballroom dancing. So much for his kindness…lol…
When the upbeat pop selections came on Alicia did not waste time, and this was certainly my field where my talent was concerned. It was a sight to see us gyrating and ‘shaking our botty’ as we took the floor by storm. And the entire gathering was just cheering us on with loud applause.
When we left for our separate locations sometime later we were all giggling like excited little kids, exchanging warm hugs and kisses on the cheeks as we promised to meet up again. Even my brother was in awe when I told him about Alicia’s accomplishments in the field of local and international pageantry. The very night he called his mother in New York to share his delightful experience.
As for me, I would never forget that fateful night…It was quite an intriguing experience for me. Alicia will always be imprinted on my mind as a beauty ambassador who is not haughty and indifferent, but instead leaves a special space in her life and heart for practically anyone. I want to believe that she takes pleasure in putting a smile on the faces of her fans and many admirers.
Alicia Bess has to her belt the Miss Guyana Jamzone title, a first runner-up stop in the Miss Jamzone International Pageant, and has been also adjudged the second runner-up spot at the Miss Global International 2015 Pageant. She also won National Costume and Best Introduction at this pageant.
She has to her belt also the first runner-up spot at the Miss Guyana Universe Pageant when Katherina Roshana was crowned queen, and she is also the winner of the Miss PJD2 Caribbean Queen 2014 Pageant that has been hosted by PJD2 Radio Station for the past nineteen years.
Added to that, Ms Bess has also placed quite remarkably at several other local pageants.
Alicia Bess is a perfect example of a beauty ambassador with a difference, and a woman who does not allow her fame to get in the way of making life merry for persons around her..