THE ancient county of Berbice is abuzz with anticipation and excitement as the official sashing ceremony of the nine beauties vying for the coveted ‘Miss Berbice’ title is set for Saturday, October 20, 2018, on the lawns of State House, New Amsterdam.

Given the ‘I’m a big deal’ treatment for the inaugural pageant from RD Productions last year, and the sneak peek of the beauties at the Berbice Expo last week, pageant fanatics can’t wait to officially meet the 10 young ladies and get to know them, before the most anticipated regional beauty pageant set for November 24, 2018, at the Albion Sports Complex.

According to Coordinator Tracy Khan, there will be several activities before the big day which will involve community projects, youth empowerment activities, family entertainment and a sports competition among others.

Khan highlighted that in addition to the “glitz and glamour and the red carpet” sashing event, the public will get the opportunity to hear the contestants as they get “up, close and personal” about their platforms on social ills.

The sashing ceremony is followed by a Swimsuit and Pool competition on Saturday, November 17 at the Skeldon Heritage Resort, a Costume Extravanganza and a Mini Carnival set for Sunday, November 18 at the Rose Hall Town Primary School. The organisers also believe in giving back to the community, as such as a part of the calendar of activities has set aside November 21 as a Family Fun Day and the launch of a magazine at the All Saints Ground, New Amsterdam.

Organiser Royston Drakes explained that the concept behind the pageant is to create role models not just models.

“We are looking to empower women from all walks of life to take up leadership roles in various communities. We are also focusing on youth empowerment,” he said.
“This year we are going to make it a bit different. We want to spread our wings across Berbice; we want to help business people such as Carona to invest in something that will be lucrative at the end of the day, and also we are not limiting ourselves to the glitz and glamour associated with pageantry. We want to make an impact in most of the communities we will be venturing into.”

Meanwhile, Andy Henry who is tasked with the launch of the magazine related that the goal of the commercial magazine is to give young people the vehicle where they will not only be motivated, inspired, educated and entertained but they will also be empowered.

“We would love to showcase Berbice, people, places and cuisine. The magazine will feature entrepreneurs, small businesses and cuisine. An ideal vehicle for small business and youth empowerment and talents,” he said.
Since the launch of the pageant in 2017, the organisers have been involved in numerous community projects as women empowerment, such as the Women of Worth Awards ceremony and community clean-up exercise in collaboration with the municipality of Rose Hall and the Police.

Tickets will be available soon at several locations across the country soon.