FIRST Lady Sandra Granger has congratulated Negla Brandis, organiser of the Miss Guyana Renaissance 2017 Pageant, and others, who organise similar events that celebrate women, at a fund-raising Easter brunch held ahead of the upcoming pageant.

The brunch was held in the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

The Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant is for mature Guyanese women over the age of 30, which aims to showcase their talent, creativity, professionalism and recognise their many roles in and contributions to society.

“I think that it is a very good idea for women to continue to be empowered in some way and for women to recognise the skills and the talents they have. We continue to learn about ourselves as we expose ourselves to more education and information; and I think that it is great that women are stepping forward more and more at different ages and stages of their lives,” the first lady said.

Mrs Granger also thanked the patrons for supporting projects she spearheads, noting that she wants women to see themselves as empowered.

“[I want] to encourage women to see themselves as separate entities and powerful in their own ways, regardless of whether they bring home a salary or not. They are contributing and that is what we need to recognise… and respect… and to honour in this country today.”

The eighth Miss Renaissance Guyana Pageant is planned for August 2017. Nine of the 12 delegates introduced themselves at the Easter brunch.

The gathering was entertained with lively steelpan music provided by Ras Camo.

Simone Beckles presented the first lady with a bouquet as a token of appreciation for her attendance.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry; Madam Justice Desiree Bernard, retired Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice; Margaret Lawrence, Executive Director of

Merundoi Incorporated; and Lorene Baird, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection, also attended the brunch.