Miss Region Three crowned Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen 2011

Miss Naomie Samuels, of Santa Mission Village, Region Three captured the coveted crown of Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen 2011 after a neck-and-neck competition with Miss Treasure James of the Mabaruma Sub-district, Region One as the curtains to the much anticipated Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant 2011 came down Saturday evening, September 17, 2011 at the National Cultural Centre.

The pageant saw ten beautiful and intelligent Amerindian girls competing for the coveted crown of Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen 2011.

The delegates were judged based on five major segments; including Introduction, platform, talent piece, traditional wear, and evening wear plus several other special categories.

In additional to winning the prestigious title, the jubilant Ms. Samuels also won the prize for best talent. The Santa Mission beauty, who is currently a final year medical student at the University of Guyana, chose the platform of “Cervical Cancer”. The intelligent Miss Samuels answered her question with confidence which sent the audience in loud cheers and applause.

Miss Treasure James of Region 1, was adjudged, First runner up. She was also awarded the best Evening Gown prize and shared the personality award with Miss Gulene Salty of Region Nine. The Region One beauty was followed by Miss Aneece Hicks, of Region 10. Miss Hicks likewise romped off with the best platform “Alcohol Abuse in Amerindian communities” and Most Photogenic. Miss Devika Lopes of Region Five swept the Third runner up trophy.

Best Traditional wear was given to Miss Azoni Clement of Region Seven whose unique costume depicted the wealth, prosperity and strength of Region Seven. The Most Disciplined award along with “Miss Congeniality” which was chosen by the Delegates went to Miss Joyce Paul of Region Eight, while the best Introduction went to Miss Neisha Vantrompe of Region Six who was very impressive.

Before the curtains came down, Miss Nandanie Jerry, of Region Seven, the 2009 Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen gracefully took her final walk on stage as she narrated her experience as the Queen. Before the announcement of the Queen, each delegate was given a bouquet.

The Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen 2011 was awarded with an all expenses paid trip to Trinidad and Tobago where she will compete in the Caribbean Next Top Model, a laptop, compliments of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, a hamper of beauty products valued at $25,000 compliments of Great Glam Fashion, a bouquet, a pair of gold earrings, sponsored by Kings Jewellery World, a trophy donated by Trophy Stall, and an exclusive designer outfit compliments of Sonia Noel.

Miss James, the first runner up was granted a scholarship at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), compliments of the Ministry of Agriculture; trip to Kaieteur Falls sponsored by Linda Khan and Alfred Ramsarran of Savannah Inn, Lethem; one lap top, donated by the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Cooperation (GPC) – House of Limacol; a beauty hamper, compliments of Vinu’s Shoes Box; a bouquet; and an exclusive designer outfit, donated by Sonia Noel.

Miss Hicks, the second runner took home a cash prize of $80,000 from BK International Inc., a bouquet, a beauty hamper compliments of L-Mart and an exclusive designer outfit compliments of Sonia Noel.

Miss Lopes, third runner up was given a cash prize of $60,000 compliments of BK International Inc., a bouquet and a beauty hamper donated by Air Guyana.

Delegates who won special prizes were each awarded $30,000 cash and a trophy.
The Ministry of Amerindians Affairs expresses gratitude to all those who participated and contributed towards the success of the pageant especially Pageant Coordinator Sonia Noel and the ten delegates: Miss Treasure James, Region One, Miss Ahidie Pearson, Region Two, Miss Naiomi Samuels, Region Three, Ms. Marcia Ramjohn, Region Four, Ms. Devika Lopes, Region Five, Ms. Neisha Vantrompe, Region Six, Ms. Azoni Clement, Region Seven, Ms. Joyce Paul, Region Eight, Ms. Gulene Salty, Region Nine and Ms. Aneece Hicks, Region Ten.

The show also highlighted the Amerindian talent through diverse and rich cultural presentations of the various tribes such as the Akawaio Cultural Group from Sand Creek and Surama Dancers.
All Delegates including the Heritage Queen will receive their prizes at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Dinner and Appreciation Ceremony at Roraima Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Kingston on Friday September 30, 2011. The Dinner and Appreciation Ceremony commences at 19:00hrs and tickets are available at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.