Six ladies compete for “Miss Y” crown
It’s a beauty pageant that takes place every year around this time. No, we’re not talking about Miss Universe. The contestants on this show have experience to accompany their good looks.
Enid Oliver, Miss Burrell Boom
“I’m here for my last experience of being on the stage.”
Juliana Arana, Miss Lake I
“I think I’m ready, willing and able to go for Miss Y, go for the crown.”
Lois Smith, Miss Belama
“It’s in the memory of my husband because he died two months ago and he was an advocate for children. I believe that if I continue with the Y, I will help kids.”
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
However far they have come from or for whatever reason they have entered, at the end of the night a new Miss Y will be chosen from among six over sixty women or “seenagers” as they like to be called.
The annual Miss Y pageant started back in 1993 and according to Sonia Lenares, General Secretary of the YWCA, it has grown into the organisation’s biggest fundraiser.
Sonia Lenares, Gen. Secretary, YWCA
“Miss Y pageant is mainly to showcase the talents that these women possess and it is also one of the fundraisers for the YWCA. We look forward to this fundraising event each year, so that it can help to sustain our programmes.”
The ladies will all compete in a chit-chat session, casual, evening gown and talent.
Ann-Marie Williams
“You think you have what it takes to win?”
Margaret Ayuso, Miss Orange Walk
“Oh yeah!”
Ann-Marie Williams
“What will it take for you to win?”
Margaret Ayuso
“I’m going to sing “Sad Movies.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Would you like to be the next Miss Y?”
Maggie Frazer, Miss Lord’s Bank
“Of course I’d like to, I’m vying for it hopefully…I think I will win.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“And if you don’t win?”
Maggie Frazer
Well, there must be a winner, one will win. If I don’t win I’ll accept it.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Would you have gained a lot of friendships and meet different people?”
Maggie Frazer
“Of course I would. I’m happy about being here because you meet new people.”
Louise Bevans of Port Loyola says she’s here just for the fun.
Louise Bevans, Miss Port Loyola
“One day I was sitting home and Ms. Lenares called and said, “You’re always looking good on the street, so I’d like you to go in the pageant,” and I said, “Okay.” It’s not a matter of winning, but enjoying the fun, enjoy the friends.”
Friendship aside, sixty-year old Juliana Arana of Lake Independence says there were some challenging times.
Juliana Arana
“It was rough at the beginning. We had to come every day for practice, but it was nice meeting these ladies from different backgrounds. It nice meeting them and working together as a team.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Share common problems and talk about different things?”
Juliana Arana
“Yes we do. We talk about our problems, our life, our children.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“How many people coming to see you Friday night? Are you bringing out a crowd?”
Juliana Arana
“Yes, everybody says they’re coming for Miss Y to see Linda.”
And thousand of Belizeans will flock to the City Centre Friday at 7:00 p.m. to see Linda and the five other lovely ladies. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
The reigning Miss Y is Grace Coleman. Her successor will take home among other prizes, airline tickets, jewellery, cash and clothing.
