The six young ladies who will be competing for the Miss Guyana Jamzone crown met with Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad on Tuesday, May 24.
The delegates: Janelle Babb, Janella Lewis, Kiswana Jefford, Niketa Barker, Candia Paul and Jovan Wilson, will be competing for the title on Thursday at the National Cultural Centre, Mandela and Homestretch Avenues, Georgetown.
The winner of the competition will be given the opportunity to represent Guyana at the Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen pageant in Antigua and Barbuda in June, and will subsequently represent Guyana at the Miss Jamzone International 2011 pageant in August at the Splashmin’s Fun Park and Resort on the Linden Highway.
Wishing the delegates all the best and assuring them of his ministry’s support, Prashad encouraged them to continue being ‘ambassadors of tourism’ even after the pageant, and to continuously learn more and explore their beautiful country while helping to promote ‘Destination Guyana’.
Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad with the six delegates vying for the Miss Guyana Jamzone title
The minister updated the delegates, whose platform focus on various areas of tourism, on developments in the tourism sector. He said that the tourism industry is growing and has made significant strides over the years, attracting the world with ecological, nature and adventure-based tourism. He said that ‘Guyana – the Amazon Adventure’ has been in the international spotlight, as it was recently featured in popular British film producer and creative director Russell Malkin’s new book, 101 Amazing Adventures of the World , which is a major boost for our destination.
The tourism minister noted that, only recently, Surama Village Eco-lodge in the Rupununi copped the coveted Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and TravelMole, jointly with Harrison’s Cave in Barbados. He added that this is a huge achievement for Guyana.
He said Guyana’s tourism industry is moving ahead with a number of new developments, as focus is now being placed on different niches, such as yachting/cruising, sport fishing and birding. He added that Guyana will be the proud host of the 13th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, next April.
Minister Prashad said that every Guyanese must begin to realise the importance of tourism and benefits that can accrue through this industry, and play a role in helping to promote our tourism product. He lauded the organisers of the Miss Guyana Jamzone pageant, noting that over the years, they have produced pageants and various events of quality.
The young, beautiful and aspiring delegates assured Minister Prashad that they will continue to be ambassadors of their country and, to this end, they would like to work along with his ministry to promote Guyana’s unique tourism product. The delegates were presented with packages from the minister. The bevy of beauties set to battle for the crown and three million dollars in cash and prizes will be competing in swimsuit, evening gown, talent, and intelligence segments.
