Tall, elegant and confident, 21-year-old Faydeha King, made an impassioned plea to teachers, parents and community leaders to work on stamping out violence in schools, during her platform presentation that gained her high marks, and ultimately won her the title as Miss Bartica Regatta 2013, at the March 31, pageant in the township on the Essequibo Coast of Guyana.
The Scottsburg, Berbice native and aspiring doctor, was consistent throughout the pageant, winning prizes for Miss Body Beautiful, Best Platform, Best Introduction, and Best Evening Gown Display.
Faydeha says she competed in the pageant mainly to gain the prize money to lessen the financial burden on her parents, who were working very hard to help her to accomplish her dream to study medicine. “Pageantry also helps women like me with our self esteem, and it gives us the opportunity to use our platform to address whatever social issue we are passionate about”.
Sponsored by Partners Investments, Faydeha who likens herself to Guyana’s rare majestic bird, the Canje Phesant – sees herself as a cut above the rest. She enjoys a good game of hip-scotch and loves modelling. “I am doing something that I love, for something that I want, said the articulate young woman, who now has her eyes set on achieving her dream to become a doctor.
The 5’ 8” beauty wore a stunning white topless sequin gown that represented Guyana’s many waters and Kaieteur Falls. The design was complete with a train, and showcased a plunging V-back, accented with individual white appliqués that ran along her bare back.
Faydeha says she is overwhelmed at winning the crown, and praised her seven fellow contestants whom she said, worked very hard to prepare for the pageant
The queen took home prize monies in the amount of G$500,000, and Thierry Muglier perfume, compliments of Lorna Welshman-Neblett. She will also enjoy a trip to the Kaieteur Falls and the given the opportunity to complete in other regional pageants.
The third runner-up prize went to Eksi Edwards; Jamilah Jones was the second runner-up, and Alicia Best, the first runner-up. She also won the Miss Congeniality title. Miss Personality went to Tekeisha Taylor.
Other contestants included Sahsha Hamza Miss People’s Choice, Shellon Fraser and Tenecia Ferrier.
Guyana Fashion Week, CEO Sonia Noel was pageant director, while Meelisa Payne was runway coach and choreographer.
Judges included Richard Young, Harry Gill, Sonjie OteBaros and Tangerine Clarke.
