A VIBRANT, confident and bubbly aspiring lawyer who hails from East Canje was crowned Miss Berbice 2019 last Saturday at the Third Annual Women Empowerment Pageant which was hosted by Royston Drakes Production.

Competing against four other delegates for the coveted title, Shmael King emerged victorious on her journey to the crown.

The 18-year-old from the developing community of Fort Ordinance, Canje, said she will use the platform given to her to impact and effect change, especially in the lives of youths who are suffering from depression and mental health issues, a personal issue to her.

She stated that she is grateful and elated for the opportunity given to her by the Miss Berbice Pageant team to be an activist on the ground which will serve as a source of inspiration to her peers.

King is a first-year Social Work student at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus and an aspiring Attorney-at-law. She is building the foundation as she makes the necessary financial preparations for her legal journey.

When asked about reasons for pursuing law, King explained that she wants to ensure that the vulnerable in society have better access to the justice system. Further, she stated that she has experienced legal injustice through the eyes of her mother, who was a victim of domestic violence.

Her advice to youths is to be true to themselves, and always strive for excellence in every endeavour.

After crowning her successor, Rameshwarie Jairam said her one-year reign has been excellent, and gave her many opportunities to move forward and make greater steps as she continues to be an advocate for women’s empowerment. It also created a bigger stage to use her voice, and be a role model for other young women.

Placing in the top two were Sunesha Murray, First runner-up, and Shaquilla Sharpe, Second Runner-up, while Sheleza Sattur was given the Miss Impression award for her outstanding community work, and voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow delegates.

Annanda Anthon was voted Favourite Online Contestant and grabbed the People’s Choice Award and Miss Catwalk as she impressed the judges with her striking long legs and elegant posture across the stage on the night of the pageant.