Pageants have been at a standstill in Guyana due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions for the past two years. However, with the removal of the COVID-19 restrictions, the drought has finally come to an end as a new Guyanese King and Queen was crowned Mister and Miss Guyana Independence last Saturday at the Theatre Guild.
Calvin Roberts and Kayla King emerged as King and Queen, respectively, after several weeks of intense training with a highly competitive lineup.
It was a refreshing experience to witness the unorthodox production put on by the director and team – a patriotic blend of Guyanese talents and other cultural representation, depiction of national Guyanese heroes and segments you wouldn’t normally witness in pageants.
Director of the pageant, Meleesa Payne, who is a former Miss Guyana Queen, said this concept was one in the making for a fews years after developing a keen interest in highlighting and honouring National heroes of Guyana.
The pageant, she said, was a great way in achieving this, challenging the participants to embody these heroes, and using the platform to showcase these heroes and sensitive the public.
“We celebrate Independence the same way every year at our annual flag raising ceremony the night before the holiday. I enjoyed being a part of those that as a child and my proudest moment was the hoisting of the flag. Most recently, the Independence Carnival returned where there are a set of partying activities for Guyanese and visitors from around the world to take part in. While this is a great way for Guyanese to celebrate our Independence, I noticed that there was still a lack of why we celebrate Independence and a lack more so of who were the National Heroes that contributed in aiding our Independence,” Payne said.
It is against that backdrop, the history element was included in the pageant, to encourage the men and women who participated, to know and understand their history, and use their various platforms to disseminate what they were challenged to research for the pageant. .
“My hope, by bringing back this pageant, is to create proud moments of being Guyanese. So often the negatives of this country are highlighted that the youths feel lost and helpless. I want them to be patriotic and happy to be Guyanese they must want to live here and nowhere else. I want them to become ambassadors of the region and communities. The pageant has added a community development/service project where the contestants came together in groups to present proposals to create opportunities for the young and old people of their communities we will aid them by seeking sponsorship and fundraisers for them to make this possible so that they can continue to grow positively and influence positive change in their community,” she added.
The 19-year-old Queen said she was prompted to enter the pageant because of its nature, and just as anticipated, the experience was a fulfilling one.
“The journey was a bit challenging, just as one would expect but for the most part it was thrilling. I intend for my reign to be dedicated to the people of Guyana, as we are the essence of our independent country. I, alongside Calvin Roberts Mister Guyana Independence will be pioneers for the people.” she said.
The King expressed similar sentiments stating that it was the concept of the production that convinced him to sign up. In fact, he said participating in a pageant was never in even his wildest imagination, as he suffered low self-esteem from insecurities.
“However, while scrolling on Facebook, I came across the Miss and Mister Guyana Independence 2022, it immediately sparked an interest. Upon hearing about the concept of the pageant,that each contestant will get the opportunity to choose a hero/leader who fought for Guyana’s Independence and represent and relive that person journey through the arts,I was more than ready to represent my all time hero-Mr.Stephen Campbell.I thought to myself,this is the ideal platform for me to represent my indigenous people and pave the way for the next generation. This pageant has certainly created that platform for me to proudly represent my culture, heritage and my Identity. I was able to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many that night, especially my fellow Amerindians,” Roberts shared.
It is the hope of the Director that by bringing back the pageant, that it will secure the support of the Ministry of Cultural, Youth and Sport and that of the Ministry of Education, so that the winners can take part in cultural activities and share their knowledge in schools.
Additionally, Payne said the public can expect annual entertainment and unique coverage on the National Heroes and Guyana, “as we intend to change the dynamics of the pageant every year. We have plans of making this one of the biggest events around independence. It’s time Guyanese find their center and essence of pride and patriotism. The motto of the pageant is #togetherweachieve592.”