Queen Shenese Galloway's moment in the limelight lasted mere minutes, and, as things got out of hand, she was shepherded backstage, without the customary sashing ceremony.

FIRST runner-up, Thandi McAllister.

As such, a row quickly erupted when crowd favourite, Thandi McAllister, was named first runner-up.

Outraged supporters lifted her off the stage in protest.

The disappointed contestant burst into tears and it was this show of emotion that apparently prompted relatives to throw her bouquets in the general direction of the judges.

Earlier, Ms. Shauna Jemmott took her last walk on stage as Miss African Heritage Queen. Ms Jemmott was crowned queen in 1999.

She may have provided the catalyst for the eventual crowd reaction when she announced that she is yet to receive prizes due her since winning the pageant.

By yesterday, Ms. McAllister had been disqualified as first runner-up and moves were afoot to strike Ms. Jemmott from the register of winners "for her disgraceful, unscheduled and unexpected presentation", a statement from the organisers said.

Shauna had just taken her last walk, clad in a red and gold body fitting outfit and according to the organisers defied the rules when she approached the microphone to make final remarks.

SECOND runner-up, Lourianne Pluck.

"My reign was full of both positive and negative experiences. The positives I really enjoyed and the negatives have made me stronger", Jemmot said.

She continued, "My greatest disappointment was the fact that I did not get my first prize, a trip to the United States but instead my first runner-up got it".

Much to the disapproval of Mrs. Alexander who was standing at the podium, she wished the new queen God's richest blessings, success in her future endeavours and hoped that she receives all her prizes.

The Cultural Centre was in an uproar and Jemmot was encouraged by the crowd to "say it".

She later explained to the Chronicle that she had won a trip for two to New York and the first runner-up, Ms. Shammane Joseph, according to the pageant coordinator, would have gotten a trip to Canada.

She said that last year, however, Mrs. Alexander called her and informed her that Shammane was going on the trip to New York with her.

She said she asked if she cannot choose who goes on the trip with her stating she would prefer Mrs. Alexander accompany her because Shammane would not have known what appearances she would have had to make while over there.

THIRD runner-up, Sherilyn Solomon.

She said she did as requested but was not informed by Mrs. Alexander of documents required by the American Embassy which led to more problems.

She said that eventually after many complaints and disagreements with the organisers, she realised that she would not get the trip as promised.

"She did not even tell me she was sorry", Jemmot stated.

She said she missed the prize-giving last year, months after it was scheduled and stated that she has evidence of the prizes given to Shammane, which was more than that given to her, including prizes not mentioned.

Following Jemmot's announcement at the contest yesterday morning, Mrs. Alexander tried to explain to the audience that Jemmot was turned down by the U.S. Embassy because she did not follow instructions.

Sunday night's pageant, billed to start at 20:00 hrs, began shortly before 21:00 hrs.

The girls appeared in evening and casual wear and showcased their talent in dramatic poetry, song and dance.

The stage was beautifully lit, with creations of palm branches and those of other trees.

The beautiful gowns displayed by the contestants were mostly created by acclaimed designers Derek Moore and Michelle Cole.

However, the `Best Gown' prize went to Alana Thorne, much to the disapproval of sections of the audience.

She sported a purple and gold African print outfit with matching head wrap and gold shoes.

The queen, Shenese Galloway was attired in a red, black and gold outfit and was pronounced `Best Model'.

She had previously fascinated the crowd with a dramatic rendition of poetry (written by her) and dance.

Galloway, the 19-year-old University of Guyana student, of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was consistent in second positions for the three segments, according to Mr. Alexander.

`Best Gown' - Alana Thorne.

From her first appearance on stage, she had made an impact with the crowd.

In her talent piece, she definitely got the audience's vote and was constantly applauded throughout the rendition of an African song.

Of the nine contestants, 21-year-old Sherilyn Solomon, of Kitty, Georgetown, was awarded 5th place.

Second runner-up position went to 20-year-old Cleon McGarrell, of Wismar, Linden, and Lourianne Pluck, 22, of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.

Other contestants were Shevon Montfort, 19, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown; Juel Gibson, 24, of Agricola, East Bank Demerara; and Amanda Sinclair, 20, of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast.

Pluck and Sinclair were voted most congenial by fellow contestants.

Pluck also copped two other prizes, one for `Best Casual Wear'.

According to the organisers, consequent to what Mr. Alexander saw over the years in the Caribbean as a penchant for white and fair-skinned girls to be chosen as queens in contest after contest, he had long held the dream of hosting a contest like this.

He felt that the African-Guyanese female should have the opportunity to herself realise and display that the Afro-centric mode of dress is most elegant, exotic and fabulous looking and should take centre stage from time to time.

Opportunity is given for the contestants to learn more about the African heritage, history, achievements of Africans and to pass these to her audience in her answers to questions.

Training in deportment, etiquette, discipline and resourceful presentation of her abilities are all part of the preparation of the young ladies, he said.

However, due to the outcome of the event Sunday evening, Mr. Alexander yesterday said he was contemplating if he should continue hosting the Miss Guyana African Heritage Pageant.

"I am so fed up with my people and disgusted with their behaviour", he said.

He said it was not easy in trying to raise black consciousness and expressed disappointment, not only at the outburst of the audience during the crowning ceremony, but the reaction of the crowd when he announced a donation by RK's Group of Companies of $2,000 towards the contestant with the best gown.

SECOND runner-up, Cleon McGarrel.

He pointed out that sections of the Black community are reluctant to make donations and yet are quick to ridicule attempts made by others, in this case by persons of Indian descent.

He said it was also embarrassing since the man was in attendance.

In terms of Jemmot's presentation, he said at no time are queens on final walks allowed to make speeches.

He claimed that she missed out on the trip to the U.S. because she did not follow instructions and as such was turned down by the embassy since she produced no proof that she was obligated to return to Guyana.

Alexander said he was disgusted at what transpired at the pageant which forcefully calls into question the criteria and background of contestants.

He said the organisers now have to get proof of what the contestants say, have to maintain the criteria adopted and not deviate from it because it leads the pageant into trouble.

"I am disgusted at the kind of behaviour that parents and teachers allow to pass. It is seriously damaging the standards of our society and not in keeping with the high standards that we want to have", he said.

He said that after a review of the situation and the rules of the pageant, the organisers decided to disqualify McAllister for her behaviour during the crowning ceremony of the pageant and indiscipline before the staging of the pageant.

PROTEST: a section of the audience still gathered in the National Cultural Centre protesting after the pageant.

He said she is also being disqualified for bringing the pageant into disrepute with her behaviour - jumping off the stage and joining her relatives and supporters in protest that she was robbed.

He said they threatened the judges and stormed the judges' table.