Last week Simpli Royal launched this year’s Mash Queen pageant at the Umana Yana during which six beautiful queen hopefuls introduced themselves and paraded in front of the audience giving a taste of what is to come on February 19, when the pageant will be held.
In a statement, mother of pageantry in Guyana and Simpli Royal Director Pamela Dillon said, “It’s very hard to do pageants in Guyana…. The last time we had a Miss Mash Queen pageant was in 2006…”
Over the years, Pam has been responsible for grooming more than 35 young women who copped various Miss Guyana titles, many of whom went on to represent Guyana internationally.
Beginning with and during interludes the event saw dramatic dances, singing and Indian dances from persons such as the local Calypsonian ‘King Perai’ and 67-year-old Bibi Haniff, performances which brought crowd on their feet.
Boiling down to the end of the short event the contestants presented themselves displaying glittering colourful costumes designed by Randy Madray and Nelsion Nurse. The vibrant contestants took to the stage introducing themselves and stating the opening fanfare: ‘Masquerade: Our Country, Our Life, National Pride.’
Pam promises a unique show. Along with Oral Welshman (Choreographer), Gileon James, Camile Ross, Randy Madray, Nelsion Nurse and Sunil Rasul (sponsor liaison) she is closely working with the young women in preparing them for the pageant.
Speaking to one of the contestants Gabriella Chapman (first runner-up and second in the Miss UGSS and Miss Guyana Emancipation 2016 respectively) The Scene was told, “I’m going into Miss Mash 2017 with all hopes of winning. I am going to bring my ‘A game’.”
Gabriella, along with Younette Stepheny, Romichell Brumell, Ashanti Jasper, Aquaila Rupan and Keleisha Kelly will be vying for the Miss Mash Queen Crown come February 19 at the National Cultural Centre. The queen will represent Guyana in the Miss Caribbean Carmichael Show in Antigua at the end of July.
The pageant entails the categories: opening fanfare, swimsuit, evening gown and onstage interview (scores will be compounded).
The pageant starts at 20:00 hrs. Tickets cost $3,000 (auditorium front), $2,000 (auditorium rear) and $1,000 (balcony).
