Candidates vie for Miss Teen title
There is never a shortage of pageants in Belize and tonight Ann-Marie has a preview of the latest young ladies to compete for a crown.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Miss Teen Belize takes centre stage at the Belize City Centre on Saturday when eight contestants from seven different high schools vie for the title. Karen Vernon co-ordinates what she says will be an annual event.
Karen Vernon, Co-ordinator, Miss Teen Belize
“The aim of the Miss Teen Belize pageant is to showcase young Belizean girls with their talent, and we also have them doing community projects during this two-week period, and this will continue into the summer.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Have they chosen different platforms, or how were the community projects allotted?”
Karen Vernon
“We asked them what they were interested in and we went out to the different organisations and this is how they’re working. We have a couple working with the Belize Children’s Home, B.F.L.A., YWCA and YMCA.”
The eight girls compete in evening gowns, sports wear, introduction, a question and answer session, along with talent.
Sixteen year old Indira Louise Thompson of St. Michael’s College finds it timely to do a drama and dance mix on domestic abuse.
Indira Louise Thompson, St. Michael’s College
“Today in Belize and all over the world many people are dying from that, like yesterday on the news. And that poem “I got flowers today”, I like that poem, so I said, you know what I will do this for my talent. I got the theme from it.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“You think you might help a couple women?”
Indira Louise Thompson
“Yes ma’am, for them to have to courage to leave those who are abusing them. I have confidence in myself, yes I do.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“It will only take confidence to win you think?”
Indira Louise Thompson
“The amount that I have yes. I have a lot.”
Romey Bowen of Excelsior High also feels she has enough confidence to walk away with the crown.
Romey Bowen, Excelsior High
“When I go into something I put all my effort into it. I entered two pageants already and I came in second, so I think this is my chance to…”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Time for the big win?”
Romey Brown
“Yes ma’am.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“You think you have what it takes to win?”
Romey Brown
“Definitely.”
Judith Fletcher, Ladyville Technical
“I’m doing a short monologue, followed by a poem, then followed by a cultural dance, because it’s all about cultures.”
Kimesha Reymundo, a student of Mopan Technical High School in Benque Viejo is that town’s current Miss Independence. However, she’s still hoping to become Miss Teen.
Kimesha Reymundo, Mopan Technical
“It’s not really a role of winning, just participating…”
Ann-Marie Williams
“You don’t want to win?”
Kimesha Reymundo
“Well yes I do, but everybody wants to win.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Don’t you think you have what it takes over the others to win? Why did you come in then?”
Kimesha Reymundo
“Well I have yes, but everybody wants to win.”
Tamika Swift of Wesley College also wants to win. She says she was encouraged by family and friends to take up the challenge.
Tamika Swift, Wesley College
“I saw this pageant as an opportunity to test my communication skills, my grace and ability to be focussed in a public appearance.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
Tickets for Miss Teen Belize can be bought at Stone and Baron and Wave Radio. Show time is 7:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Belize City Centre.
