18-year-old captures Bartica Regatta

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, April 21, 2019

Copping the Miss Bartica Regatta crown, from eight other beauties, came as a shock to 18-year-old Amel Griffith.

The expression on her face when the first runner-up was announced, said it all. Even while still in shock, the new queen stood regal and calm, while her supporters in the audience wasted little time in chanting her name.

The eight other delegates were Shania Khan, Joyann Wong, Tonya Harris, Tenicia De Weaver, Adeola Sutherland, Sabrina Persaud, Soma Lindore and Jurusha Ferrel.

Miss Bartica Regatta 2019, 18-year-old Amel Griffith.

[In the photo, from left] First runner-up, Tonya Harris, Miss Bartica Regatta, Amel Griffith and second runner-up, Jurusha Farell.

The eight delegates in their evening wear.

Amel Griffith is crowned as second runner-up Jurusha Farell looks on.

All eight beauties who competed for the crown.

Along with Griffith, the other top three delegates were Tonya Harris and Jurusha Farell, who were awarded the first and second runners-up respectively.

The delegates took to the stage just before 22:00hrs on Easter Saturday, introducing themselves in song and poetry. This was then followed by the talent and swimsuit segments.

Griffith, who was delegate number eight, performed a dance for her talent piece representing her platform of Human Trafficking. In an earlier interview with the Department of Information (DPI), Griffith said she believed that every life is important and no one should be held against their will.  “I want to help eradicate the scourge of human trafficking” she stated.

Following the evening gown segment, it was time for the top three delegates to answer the deciding question.

They were asked separately if they won the 2019 pageant and became an ambassador of Bartica, what would they aspire to do to improve the lives of women in Bartica?

Griffith’s response of women’s importance in society and plans to hold programmes and workshops in Bartica to educate and empower women about their worth sent the audience in a frenzy and convinced the judges to award her the title of queen.

She was crowned in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Felecia Valenzuela.

Image: Ameer Sattaur.