The Miss East Coast Pageant, which promises to be an evening of charm and talent, and a celebration of rich cultural diversity, is slated for the Buxton Community Centre Ground on November 4.
Nine contestants hailing from various villages on the East Coast Demerara, are set to compete for the coveted title. The pageant has been the talk of the town for weeks, and excitement is building as the date draws near.
The Miss East Coast Pageant is said to not just be a beauty contest, but a platform that celebrates the unique charm, talents, and aspirations of the young women who call the East Coast home. From Buxton to Enmore, and from Mahaica to Plaisance, the contestants represent a tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make the East Coast a vibrant and diverse community.
Each contestant will showcase her intelligence, talent, and her commitment to making a positive impact. The pageant encourages personal growth and provides opportunities for young women to develop their self-confidence and leadership skills.
Each contestant will have a chance to make her mark in five segments, which will include talent and evening gowns. There will also be local performance artistes adding an extra layer of entertainment to the event.
The winner of the pageant will walk away with $500,000 while the 1st and 2nd runners-up will win $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. Additionally other consolation prizes will be given.
The Miss East Coast Pageant has a rich history of bringing together people from different backgrounds, and this year’s event will likely be no different.
As the young women take centre stage, they also take on the role of cultural ambassadors for their respective villages and the broader East Coast community. It is hoped that their journeys inspire other young women to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.
VIP tickets cost $5,000, general tickets cost $3,000 and early bird tickets cost $2,000.
The contestants are:
Name: Shadiamond Assanah
Representing: Melanie Damishana
Aspiring: Paediatric Oncologist
Favourite quote: “You are what you believe yourself to be.”
Platform: Youth Unemployment
Name: Qweiasha Sealey
Representing: Annandale
Aspiring: Nurse
Favourite quote: “I believe that your comeback is alway stronger than what you started with.”
Platform: Reintegration of Teenage Mothers Within the School System
Name: Sasha Maxwell
Representing: Bachelor’s Adventure
Aspiring: Social Worker
Favourite quote: “Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” – attributed to Abraham Lincoln.
Platform: Molestation
Name: Sueann Smith-Holder
Representing: Paradise
Career: IT/Marketing Director
Favourite quote: “The easiest thing to be in this world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what others want you to be. Don’t let them put you in that position, period.”
Platform: Natural Beauty and Body Positivity
Name: Kayla Tilbury
Representing: Plaisance
Aspiring: Psychiatrist
Favourite quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – attributed to Mahatma Gandhi
Name: Olivia Stephens
Representing: Ann’s Grove
Aspiring: Entrepreneur
Favourite quote: “A strong woman builds others up because she knows what it’s like to be torn down.”
Platform: Cultural Diversity
Name: Aleciea Morrison
Representing: Dazzell
Aspiring: Model and Entrepreneur
Favourite quote: “To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are.”
Name: Abeke Israel Lewis
Representing: Buxton
Aspiring: Musician/Singer
Favourite quote: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – attributed to Plato
Name: Diamond Williams
Representing: Enterprise
Career: Entrepreneur
Favourite quote: “Believing in yourself is the first secret to success.”
