-Organisers tout massive ‘rebirth’ of franchise

By Corissia Gourick
IN 2023, the Miss East Coast Beauty with A Mission Pageant made its mark as a platform not just for beauty but for substance and cultural celebration.
As preparations intensify for 2024, the pageant’s event coordinator Dwight Ward and his team are determined to elevate the event to new heights. This year’s pageant promises to be even more significant, aiming to redefine what it means to be Miss East Coast.
Speaking with this week’s Buzz, Ward shared his vision for this year’s pageant, emphasising a deep-rooted connection to Guyanese heritage.
“Instead of just costumes,” Ward explains, “We want our contestants to showcase more of Guyana, and let the East Coast at large know more about what’s going on in the country about our diverse cultural aspects.”
This shift aims to break down barriers within communities along the East Coast Corridor, bridging villages and showcasing the richness of their traditions through the contestants.
Its more than just a beauty pageant, Ward said. “We’re looking for ambassadors, individuals who can represent their villages and make a difference, who embody both beauty and brains.”
Contestants will undergo rigorous training which will include etiquette, public speaking, literacy, and mental health sessions, preparing them not only for the competition but for future roles as community leaders.
Critical to the pageant’s integrity are its judges, who have been carefully selected for their expertise and impartiality.
“We seek judges who understand the complexities of pageantry and bring unique perspectives and skills to the evaluation process,” notes Ward. Last year’s esteemed panel included renowned figures like Alicia Bess and Joylyn Conway, recognised for their contributions to the pageant community and beyond.
Addressing potential contestants, Ward offers encouragement: “Step out and come out. This can be an opportunity, a deal breaker for you. You can delve into so much potential you never know you had”, he said while acknowledging the misconceptions surrounding pageantry.
“This pageantry opens doors you may never have imagined yourself being in,” he added.
Ward outlines ambitious plans for the upcoming pageant season.
“We’re going to have open training sessions for delegates,” he said. These he explained further aims to foster collaboration and streamline activities. Recognising the financial challenges of pageantry, Ward disclosed plans for fundraising activities to support contestants and build camaraderie. Additionally, interactive events like scavenger hunts and team building activities will be held to further enhance the delegates’ experience and visibility within their respective communities.