Miss Mash International geared to showcase the essence of Mash
By Neil Marks
Guyana Chronicle
February 2, 2004
THE local "royal" lady of pageantry, Pamela Dillon, is promising a never-before-seen extravaganza in Guyana as she prepares to host the first ever Miss Mash Queen International with the distinctiveness and artistry that has become associated with Simpli Royal productions.
The idea is indeed a mashing one; it's designed to give the foreign delegates the essence of Mashramani in Guyana, as they will arrive here on February 18, and revel with the Carib Mash band on February 23 before leaving Guyana.
The pageant is making full use of this year's Mash logo, "Unity, beauty and more in 2004", and according to Dillon the theme is apt, as the pageant will serve to promote unity in the Caribbean, express beauty in every sense of the word and promise more things to come.
The pageant is billed for February 22nd at the National Cultural Center and will feature delegates from Anguilla, Barbados, Trinidad, Margarita Island, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Grenada, Venezuela, St. Kitts, and of course, Guyana.
Dillon told a launching press conference at Ocean View Hotel, where the delegates will be housed, that she was pleased with the interest shown in the pageant.
"It tells me that they want to come here, they want to celebrate with us. And, I think that is encouraging and it should be energizing for tourism and culture in Guyana", she said.
Ulex Atwell, a University of Guyana student, who has competed in several national beauty pageants, has been chosen to be Guyana's delegate, because according to Dillon, "we know her, we love her, and she has the experience".
Atwell said she is excited about the pageant and said she was honoured to be chosen.
The pageant's grandest pre-show will be a fashion show with the title "Taste of the Caribbean".
Local designers including Michelle Cole, Olympia Small-Sonaram, and Samuel Boucher, as well as overseas-based Guyanese Roger Gary will showcase their talent at this event.
The delegates are also expecting to pack their suitcases with their country's fashions to add to the flare of the event.
Another highlight of the pre-pageant activities will be an auction at which the gifts brought in by the delegates from their countries will be sold towards a charitable cause.
The winner of the pageant will received US$1, 500, a trip to Ocho Rios in Jamaica, assorted jewellery and other prizes.