Miss Guyana Talented Teen Tiffani Bonner
The National Cultural Centre (NCC) in the wee hours of Sunday erupted with cheers and jeers as the 13th Miss Guyana Talented Teen and the inaugural Mr Guyana Talented Teen were crowned.
After long hours of competition, Miss Peter’s Hall Tiffani Bonner, 15, outshone her seven rivals to cop the coveted title, one that she truly deserved, as she was radiant from the start.
Bonner also copped the prize for ‘Best Evening Gown’, with a Randy Madray design.
Outshining his competitors to cop the first ever Mr Guyana Talented Teen title was Mr Beterverwagting Kefa Wesley Smith, 16, who was among the top four but not a favourite during the competition. He however, sealed the deal with his response to the final question.
He was also given the prize for ‘Best Talent’ for performing a version of R Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” as well as the ‘Best Male Body’, ‘Best Introduction’ and ‘Mr Congeniality’ prizes.
In the female category, the first runner-up spot went to Miss Enmore Chelsea France, while Miss Liliendaal Romichelle Brumell and Miss Linden Reona Howell were adjudged second and third runners-up respectively.
In the male category, Mr Anna Regina Dennis Glasgow copped the first runner-up spot, followed by Mr Grove Fazil Rahaman and Mr Parika Kevin Smith.
The ‘Stick-to-itiveness’ awards went to Mr Diamond Linden Isles and Miss Liliendaal Romichelle Brumell respectively. The ‘Miss Congeniality’ Award went to Miss Cummingsburg Crystal Fraser while Chelsea France was awarded the prizes for ‘Best Introduction’.
The ‘Best Smile’ prize went to Reona Howell. Closing off the list of special awards was Mr Diamond Fazil Rahaman, who was adjudged the ‘Best Dressed Male’.
Excitement
Speaking with Guyana Times International moments after being crowned, the two title holders expressed their excitement to have been rewarded for their hard work.
They both stated that their three months of intense training definitely paid off. Smith disclosed that his greatest rival in the competition was Dennis Glasgow, but believes he won the title when he answered the question: “Which are you? Are you mummy’s son or an Amazon warrior?”
In response, he clearly stated that he is a “mummy’s boy”, revealing that his mother has been his motivation and inspiration. He also said that she clothes, feeds and shelters plus stands by him in difficult times.
A vociferous Smith also explained that he will continue to promote the pageant and with his title, men participating in pageantry will have a voice.
On the other hand, Bonner said her main rival in the competition was Chelsea France, but she managed to subdue her. She also promised to represent Guyana well at the Miss Caribbean Teen Pageant, slated for St Kitts Nevis in December.
Both winners thanked the franchise holder of the pageant Pamela Dillon for the opportunity of opening new doors for them.
The pageant started with an opening dance by the delegates who were well dressed in black, blue and silver outfits complemented with hats. Immediately after the opening dance, the delegates introduced themselves to the audience and the judges.
While some eloquently delivered, others were a little stilted as nervousness stepped in. The first cultural presentation of the evening was done by the founder of ‘Majek Fingers’ Drumming School Orlando Primo and a talented young member. The performance was thoroughly enjoyed by the scant NCC audience.
Swimsuit segment
The National School of Dance also performed an energetic piece which set the tone for the swimsuit segment. The female contestants were decked in two-piece tiger-printed swimwear. The only young lady who used a one-piece was Brumell, who sustained injuries to the torso in an accident two days prior to the pageant.
Taking the lead from there was Bonner, followed by France and Miss Plaisance Tiffany Ferguson. The male delegates wore beach shorts and sported towels in this segment.
They made way for the talent segment which saw some excellent pieces in the form of poetry, dance, song and dramatic displays.
As the delegates prepared for the evening wear segment, the audience was entertained by Tennicia De Freitas.
The evening wear segment saw some splendid outfits that wowed the audience. Some of the outfits were designed by Neilson Nurse and Randy Madray.
After the evening wear segment, the special prizes were announced, followed by the final four and then the question-and-answer segment, which led to the crowing of the new title holders.
