The 2013 Miss Emancipation pageant is billed for Sunday, August 11 at the National Cultural Centre at 8 pm.
Formerly the Miss Guyana African Queen pageant, it has been re-launched under a new name and seeks to promote the education and empowerment of African women, according to its director Shabakie Fernandes. The pageant seeks to place and even greater emphasis on promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), particularly to girls in the African nation of Mali, where education for them is not free, Fernandes said.
“The Miss Emancipation Pageant through the Guyanese Girls Unite Project will give these girls the much needed facilities to explore their senses and skills and most importantly get an education that let them know not even the sky is the limit,” Fernandes said.
The show will feature various segments such as the evening wear, business wear and talent pieces. This year in keeping with the United Nations Day of the Woman, contestants will be required to choose a strong woman of African descent to speak on as their platform.
The winner will go home with $100,000 along with a hamper. Second, third and fourth place contestants will each win $75,000, $50,000 and $25,000 along with hampers.
Alexis Connelly and Dr Melissa Varswyk have joined Shabakie Fenrandes in organising this year’s events.
Last year, the winner was Jillicia Pinder.
This year’s contestants are:
Franale Holder
Franale was born on April 16, 1990 and wishes to become a pilot. Her personal philosophy is: ‘There is nothing common to man that I cannot do.’
Jennel Lovell
Jennel is 18 years old and her philosophy is: ‘There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.’ She aims to become a doctor.
Shanice Alancia Bourne
Born a Virgo 18 years ago, Shanice is now a second-year student pursuing Marketing studies at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.
Shevona Jerrick
Born on September 23, 1992, Shevona is now a student at Nations University, pursuing Business Management studies.
Sunaika Adolphus
April born and 18 years old, Sunaika is a student pursuing a degree in International Relations at the University of Guyana.
Miracle Hilliman
Miracle is currently studying Communications and is now entering into her final year of studies. She was born on May 11, 1992.
Joelly Ann Valentine
Joelly is 19 and currently in her second year, studying Communications at UG’s Turkeyen Campus.
Makida Latoya Blake
Makida was born on August 4, 1990 and she is striving to become a medical doctor.
Tickets are now available at the National Cultural Centre, Nigel’s Supermarket, Ashmins, Upscale Restaurant and Joan’s Salon on Durban Street.
