-six to vie for this year’s Miss Region One crown

By Celles Chacon

MAKING a triumphant return for the fifth consecutive year, the 2024 Miss Region One Pageant will see a massive production for its coronation ceremony, franchise’s director, Dr. Treasure Alana James, has said.

In a world where the portrayal of beauty often overshadows inner strength, this pageant is anticipated to be a lot more than just glitz and glamour.

The pageant is slated to be held on June 29, 2024, at the Mabaruma Settlement Ground in the Barima-Waini region.

“I believe that this pageant is different from other locally held pageants because we are concerned about the growth of the women and their individual experiences and not about a showcase of women for profit. We care about the young ladies. It’s our job to see that this is a learning opportunity for each of them. I have done many pageants in the past and I have a deep understanding of what participants deal with during competitions,” Dr. James told the Buzz recently.

According to her, the pageant has continuously set the bar high, aiming not just to empower but also to provide a profound platform for young women to authentically express themselves.

The pageant, which is also being merged with a weekend of sporting activities, has been dubbed the ‘biggest’ weekend of sports in the township of Mabaruma.

It is expected that the local tourism and hospitality sector will receive a significant boost. Increase in market sales is also anticipated to skyrocket for local vendors as well as entertainment and transportation providers.

This year, six exceptional contestants: Lianna Marlock, Tiea Lowe, Alicia Thomas, Tuwana Payne, Anessa Scott and Keisha Prince will be competing for the prestigious crown.

Their multifaceted agenda includes community outreaches, empowerment and health seminars, lunch hosted by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), project execution training, etiquette, modelling and public speaking.

SUCCESS STORIES
Reflecting on the success of past contestants, the pageant’s director highlighted the remarkable journey of Esther Marslowe, the 2019 queen whose transformative experience catapulted her into a global advocate for indigenous culture and community empowerment.

Such success stories underscore the pageant’s profound impact in shaping future leaders and cultural ambassadors.

The Buzz also spoke to 21-year-old Andrea Farnum, the reigning queen, who attests to the life-changing effects of her pageant journey, citing personal growth from overcoming shyness to embracing femininity.

“The pageant itself has been an adventure and a journey within one’s self. It teaches you strength and resilience. I was able to embrace being a female and grow stronger because of it. Going into the pageant with a lot of self-doubt and insecurities and being a tomboy, walking that stage for the final time, I knew I was meant to be there…I was meant to be queen,” she related.
Farnum embodies the essence of empowerment cultivated in the pageant.

She is excited to hand over her crown and share the journey with the new queen.

“I am absolutely excited to hand over my crown. I have felt a sense of satisfaction throughout this journey knowing I was able to make a difference.”

Amidst these tales of empowerment and success, financial constraints pose a formidable challenge. Impactful initiatives such as pageants rely heavily on corporate support.

In this regard, Dr. James extended gratitude to the corporate sponsors who have supported the pageant over the years and she urged others to come onboard.

“Without the support of the corporate community, none of it is possible. We applaud and thank all the businesses who have seen and joined the vision over the past five years. We have so much plans for continued improvement for the events, but, our hands are tied by financial constraints. Our biggest challenge annually is finding sponsors for the delegates. I would love for more businesses to see the importance of investing in a young woman challenging herself to become a positive role model for her community while representing a cause locally.”