Although the crowd favourite was Shequanna Holder of Queenstown Youth Group, it was 16-year-old Ashley Aliyah Mohamed, a student of the Abram Zuil Secondary School in Region Two and Zorg Young Achievers Youth Group, who copped the crown at the Miss G Division Beauty Pageant. The event was organised by the Guyana Police Force (“G Division”),in partnership with the private and public sector and involved participants from the division’s various youth groups.

Standing before a packed audience at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School auditorium, last Saturday, Mohamed wowed the judges when she answered the final question, about what impact the pageant had on her and what she would be taking away from the pageant.

The young lady confidently and enthusiastically answered by saying that the pageant helped her to gain much knowledge on her platform and has built her self-esteem tremendously. She said the pageant has encouraged her to have good posture, discipline, self-confidence. She went on to elaborate that, should she win the pageant she would work with members of the community, particularly adults, to bridge the gap.

“I believe if the adults understand what we face as youths which causes us to act irresponsibly or in a demoralising way in society’s eye…they will understand to accept us youths regardless of the situation. If youths are accepted and appreciated then we will definitely have a more productive community,” Mohamed said.

When she finished was answering that question everyone knew she was the winner. Shequanna Holder was announced as first runner-up. Second Runner-up was Denesia Benjamin of Onderneeming Sand Pit; Best Talent was given to Aalyah Bruce; Best Creative Wear was given to Kim Persaud and Best Smile went to Cecelia Evans. The Best Gown was given to Misy James.

The pageant attracted seven beautiful contestants. They participated in five preliminary rounds: Introduction, Talent, Creative Wear, Evening Wear and Intelligence. For the entire pageant, each delegate was given a platform, all of which appeared to centre around crime reduction and building community and police relationships. Their talent pieces were all carefully crafted to suit their platforms.

Commander of “G” Division, Khali Pareshram said that the attendance was beyond expectation. He said adults and the youths from communities across the region came out in full support and there was definitely interaction and unity by all in attendance. He, therefore, thanked the stakeholders for their assistance in curbing youth violence and the use of drugs.