On November 18, 12 young women will vie for the title of Miss East Bank, each representing a community on the East Bank Demerara, embodying the essence and spirit of their respective locales.
The communities they represent are as diverse and vibrant as the contestants themselves, showcasing the rich tapestry of the East Bank Demerara. Each will bring a slice of her community’s distinct character and essence to the stage.
With elegance, poise, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact, these 12 contestants will compete not only for the crown but also for the honour of being ambassadors for their communities. The Miss East Bank Pageant promises an evening of glamour, talent, and empowering narratives that celebrate the beauty of diversity and unity.
Below, they introduce themselves:
Contestant Number One – Miss Kuru Kururu
“My name is Kimberley English, and I am 20 years of age. I migrated from the mining town of Linden when I was just three years old. Kuru Kururu is a place I call home, and it has kept me warm, much like a blanket, for 17 years.
“I aspire to become a cosmetologist and I’m currently pursuing my dream at Kevin’s Reflection, where I’m a certified makeup artist and hair stylist. In my spare time, I love visiting the children’s home because my love for kids is unexplainable, and it’s my way of giving back to my community. Additionally, I enjoy singing, dancing, and learning more about our culture and the roots from which I came.”
Contestant Number Two – Miss Pearl
“I am Jennelle Sargeant. At 24 years of age, I’m an ambitious, intelligent, strong and resilient young woman. A tele-marketer by profession, I always strive for excellence. I’m an aspiring entrepreneur as I believe in always being content with what you have but never fully satisfied to stop growing as an individual. With a passion for social work, I’m an advocate for eradicating women and child abuse. … Proudly representing the beautiful and peaceful village that I call home, the Pearl of the East Bank. I intend to use my platform and my voice for my community as well as the entire East Bank of Demerara to advocate for improvement and growth not just as a community but as a people overall. Always remember, success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Contestant Number Three – Miss Mocha
“Hailing from the beautiful and prosperous village of Mocha, I am … the extraordinary Empress Davis.
“For my 19 years of life I’ve known myself to be resilient, courageous, passionate and am-bitious, especially when it comes to modelling and pageantry. As a fashionista, I enjoy my work daily as I am a boutique owner and a caterer, coming from a long line of cooks.
“I am a hard worker, dedicated to seeing my businesses succeed. My passion strongly lies in further developing my community and my beautiful country Guyana.
“My own personal quote that keeps me driven is ‘life is what you make it, live it and love it.”
Contestant Number Four – Miss Coverden
“Purposeful and driven, I am Joel Perry. An afrocentric 19-year-old with a passion for teaching, youth and women empowerment. With humble pride, I represent a close-knit village of peace and joy. I am Miss Coverden…”
Contestant Number Five – Miss Soesdyke
“Passion fuels purpose, and every step tells a unique story. I am Krystyn Nichols, 19, with a passion for making a difference in the lives of mentally challenged individuals. A fashion and cosmetology enthusiast, I am dedicated to helping others look and feel their best, committed to volunteering and cherishing the simple joys of life in nature. I am compassionate, kind and determined. I have decided to aid in my community’s improvement of the quality of life for our people and future generations to come.”
Contestant Number Six – Miss Diamond/Grove
“There’s no limit to what we as women can accomplish. I am 19-year-old Lisa Hassan, the definition of limitless. An active volunteer with impactful strides, women’s advocate and a marketing student at Jain University. Modelling, writing and dancing are just a few of my many talents. However, I am confident, courageous and passionate about community development. Last and definitely not least, I am proud to be representing my community Diamond/Grove.”
Contestant Number Seven – Miss Providence
“I am Deneita Fredericks, a vibrant and dynamic 23-year-old journalist, proudly representing Providence with a zeal for life and an unyielding passion for positive change. As a Communications student at the University of Guyana, I thrive on the power of words and their potential to bridge gaps and create understanding. Beyond my passion, I find solace in the pages of books, seek adventure in the great outdoors, and celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity. I live by the wise words of Maya Angelou, who said that each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.”
Contestant Number Eight – Miss Timehri
“I am 19-year-old Takashi Ransom, a very ambitious, hard-working and caring young woman. I am a young entrepreneur who has fallen into the family line of business. My hobbies are dancing, modelling, and I also have the passion of working with little children. My influencer is my grandmother. She encouraged me to be here as the bold and courageous young woman I am.”
Contestant Number Nine – Miss Great Diamond
“[I am] the bold and beautiful Odessa Rodrigues, representing the welcoming village Great Diamond. A passionate, attentive and ambitious 18-year-old young woman, with a great love for children, I desire to be a trustworthy idol for the people of this nation. [I am] currently an intake specialist yearning to become a successful entrepreneur. ‘Find out who you are and do it on purpose.’ [said by] Dolly Parton, is a quote that will always keep me going.”
Contestant Number Ten – Miss Waiakabra
“Hello I am Demetreia Blair, a passionate and dedicated nurse assistant with three years’ experience in the healthcare industry and also a current student in the professional nursing hybrid training programme. Like hitting two birds with one stone I have set out to pursue my licence in real estate. I am a tenacious and gifted 20-year-old who always seizes the opportunity to learn new things. When I am not busy at work or with studies, I actively participate in many community projects and events. I’m a beautiful person inside out and would one day like to be a role model and ambassador for the young folks within my developing community, Waiakabra.”
Contestant Number 11 – Miss Grove
“I am Shemya Adeena Archer. I am 24 years old. I am interested in the development and care of young children and clothing for various body types.
“I was born and raised in the beautiful village of Grove but established a life for myself in Friendship. I am the eldest of eight siblings, one of whom is a six-year-old girl. I am setting the stage as a positive role model for her to follow.
“I believe that everyone should follow their dreams.”
Contestant Number 12 – Miss Yarrowkabra
“True definition of ambitious, resilient, strong and courageous is Miss Ranette Simpson, 25 years old, an exclusive crochet designer and the CEO of Stancolacrochet, who enjoys family time and cooking. Being an aspiring entrepreneur, I always strive to learn something new each day. I am proudly representing my beautiful and adventurous community Yarrowkabra. Confidently I quote: ‘Only define you’.”