Guyana sets eyes on third consecutive crown with Shadiamond Assanah as new queen

The National Cultural Center witnessed pure magic on Saturday night as Shadiamond Assanah of Melanie Damishana transformed from hopeful contestant to crowned queen in one of the most dominant performances in Miss Guyana Culture Queen history. In a stunning display of talent, grace, and cultural pride, the 21-year-old dance enthusiast and medical rehabilitation student didn’t just win the crown, she conquered quite a few major categories, claiming an unprecedented sweep of special awards.

True to her pre-competition prophecy about being contestant #7 “saves the best for last”, Shadiamond delivered a performance that left the packed National Cultural Center audience on their feet and the judges with little doubt about their choice. Her victory wasn’t just decisive; it was spectacular, claiming the Miss People’s Choice, Best in Swimwear, Best Talent, and Best in Evening Gown awards alongside the coveted crown.

“I prayed for number 7,” Shadiamond had revealed before the competition, and on Saturday night, that prayer was answered with interest. The young woman who learned about unity and cultural fusion in the tight-knit community of Melanie proved that sometimes the stars truly do align.

The coronation showcased exactly what Shadiamond had spoken about in the lead-up to the competition, the beautiful fusion of Guyanese culture. From the moment she stepped onto the stage in her “Madam Mineral” National Dress, it was clear that she was prepared for this moment.

Her talent performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. A surprising twist on dramatic poetry, mimicking a preacher that had the audience rolling with laughter and earned her the Best Talent award.

In the swimwear segment, Shadiamond’s confidence shone through, earning her the Best in Swimwear award and the evening gown competition saw her embody elegance and grace, claiming the Best in Evening Gown award.

But it was her overall presence, the way she carried herself with the confidence of someone who truly understands what it means to be Guyanese that set her apart from the competition.

The historic nature of potentially securing Guyana’s third consecutive regional crown adds weight to her victory, but if Saturday night was any indication, Shadiamond is more than ready for the international stage.

While Shadiamond’s victory was dominant, the competition featured six other remarkable contestants who each brought their own unique stories to the stage:

• Contestant #2: Donelle Harvey (Tuschen)
• Contestant #3: Akeisha Dalton (Land of Canaan)
• Contestant #4: Destiny Etienne (Linden)
• Contestant #5: Kelis Johnson (Linden)
• Contestant #6: Arinna Williams (Kwebana)

Each represented the diverse communities that make Guyana the Caribbean’s true melting pot, from indigenous communities to mining towns, from coastal settlements to agricultural areas.

Arinna Williams secured the First Runner-Up position after copping the Best Interview and Best In National Dress Awards. Meanwhile, Destiny Etienne placed Second Runner-Up and received the Miss Congeniality award. 

As the dust settles on what franchise holder Randy Madray called “one of the most spectacular cultural celebrations of the year,” all eyes now turn to St. Kitts & Nevis and the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen pageant. 

With Shadiamond’s comprehensive victory and her embodiment of what it means to be Guyanese, that beautiful fusion of cultures united under “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, Guyana’s chances of making history with a third consecutive crown have never looked better.

Congratulations to Miss Guyana Culture Queen 2025, Shadiamond Assanah. May your reign be as spectacular as your victory!