The 2008 Miss Guyana Sari Pageant, hosted at the National Park
on Saturday night, was an enthralling spectacle of high-tech creativity
and onstage glamour.
Kudos should be given to the organizers.
Shareen Mohamed Diwali Motorcade
Indo-Caribbean-USA
While all eleven delegates showcased alluring sari displays and
provocative dance routines, it was Miss Devi Ramcharritar who got the
judges’ nod and took home the crown and title.
In first runner-up
position was crowd favourite Anupa Outar, while Alana Persaud took the
second runner-up spot. Bonita Donelles was awarded the third
runner-up position.
Mitsubishi Lancer
Ramcharritar took home a brand new
Mitsubishi Lancer, compliments of Savico Group of Companies, along
with other prizes; while Outar was awarded a trip to Barbados, compliments
of Caribbean Airlines. Persaud won herself a trip to Trinidad from the
said airline, while her successor, Donelles, was awarded a trip to the
Kaieteur Falls, compliments of Roy’s Pharmacy.
The Shakti Strings Band
set the tone for the evening with an interesting medley that was well
received by the hundreds gathered at the venue.
This was followed by a
classical Indian dance by Padmini of the Divas Dance Troupe.
A soulful
rendition by Shakti String’s Krishna Seeram then followed. Next it
was the dazzling dancers of the Apex Academy performing a soothing dance
routine, before Colin Freeman wooed the audience with two Indian slow
songs just suited for the occasion.
Vivid colour and undulating hips
whirled around the stage as the eleven contestants executed a sizzling
opening dance that had the entire audience shouting its approval.
Then
it was time for a melodious rendition from Shakti Strings band member Anil
Khan, before the Sitari Dance Troupe blazed the stage with a piece that
had the audience clamouring for more. Guyana’s own Cecelia Samaroo then
filled the air with a melodious, stirring rendition that moved the
audience.
The sari display that followed was brilliant, arresting and
downright mesmerizing, as contestants used charisma, grace and charm to
compete with each other. Those who shone exceptionally in this segment
included Ramona Arjune, Anupa Outar, and Alana Persaud.
Up next was the
exciting Divas Dancers performing the high energy and stimulating Bangra
dance.
The intelligence segment, which actually determined the final
winners, was a thrill, as each girl strove to be precise and fluent in her
answers.
A few faltered and, of course, there were some who gave
incomplete answers.
Crowd favourite Outar began her answers in fine
style, but obviously allowed nervousness to get the best of her, and
fumbled miserably, much to the disappointment of the audience.
For some
mysterious reason, the judges deliberated for over an hour before they
finally delivered the scores, an occurrence which was met with frowns and
disapproval from the audience.
