The 12 contestants of the 2012 Ms Guyana Renaissance pageant were sashed during a simple launching ceremony on Sunday last.
Dressed in royal blue, Diana Lawrence, Dr Vivienne Mitchelle-Amata, Monica Thomas, Anita Wright-Ross, Althea Thomas, Desiree Alleyne, Gillian Trim, Atala Sampson-Clay, Debie Delph, Marisha Bowen, Christine Atterly and Linda Clarke introduced themselves.
Though some appeared nervous, most of the contestants displayed confidence and appeared very comfortable.
Later there was a tribute to the contestants. First up was an energetic performance to the soca tune “Moving” by the Untouchables (a group of young boys). This was followed by a monologue -`Guyana’ performed by the 2009 third place winner Althea Bristol.
Her piece which focused on the tribulations of a Guyanese in the United States was a highly enjoyed performance during that staging of the pageant.
Dawn Edwards a 2007 contestant and winner of the best cultural presentation performed a song. The vocal rendition was spectacular and was well appreciated.
Former contestants along with Executive Director Negla Brandis then did an entertaining fashion show largely showcasing local designs.
The highlight of the evening was the sashing of the 12 contestants.
Mistress of Ceremonies Desire Edghill, who is also the pageant’s Artistic Director, stated that the pageant is returning after a break noting that sponsorship had been an issue. “We are yet to get the business people to really come on board,” she said stressing that people don’t see pageantry as beautiful women showcasing their talents.
She appealed to those in the crowd to sponsor one of the delegates if they can.
Meanwhile Brandis in closing remarks said “we are back like a tsunami” stressing that the pageant has “taken its rightful place in Guyana”.
She noted that the aim is to prove that Ms Renaissance is a pageant of class and high standards.
“It is not easy at age 30 and over to grace the stage,” Brandis said adding that each contestant should be complimented for taking up the challenge to be a part of the pageant.
Among those gracing the event were Excellence Dazzell, the 2009 queen; Audrey Barkie, the 2004 queen; Ambassador Elisabeth Harper and Human Services Minister Jennifer Webster.
The Ms Renaissance pageant caters for women aged 28 years and over, allowing them to show off their accomplishments, inner beauty, maturity, leadership skills, cultural awareness and talent.
