Independence Day pageant raises funds for feeding program
It’s an advocacy group against the domestic abuse of women and the sexual exploitation of children. And after the success of the first Miss African Queen International Pageant, the Concerned Belize Women Organization is hosting the first ever Independence Day Junior pageant. The pageant, which will be held under the theme ‘Each One Reach One, Children Helping Children,’ will hopefully raise funds for a school breakfast program in four different high schools around the city. On Saturday at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, seven young ladies between the ages of eight and twelve will be competing for the title. News Five caught up with the contestants at practice.
Renisha Martinez, Contestant, Independence Day Junior Pageant
“Buita ba wei, good evening, my name is Renisha Martinez. I am eight years old, my hubbies are singing and dancing. In my future I would like to become a medical doctor. I present the beautiful district of Stann Creek. My Belizean proverb to you is ‘if you can’t hear, you wahn feel.’”
Keana Flowers, Contestant, Independence Day Junior Pageant
“Buenos tardes damas y caballeros, ninos y ninas, my name is Kiana Flowers and I am nine years old. My hobbies are reading and dancing. My ambition is to become a doctor to help the youths in my generation. And my Belizean proverb for you is ‘softly, softly tiger ketch monkey.’”
Myiesha Robateau, Contestant, Independence Day Junior Pageant
“A pleasant good evening to one and all. My name is Myiesha Robateau I am nine years old. My hobbies are singing and dancing. My ambition is to be a cosmetologist. And my Belizean proverb to you is ‘when Creole se da so, if da no so da nearly so.’”
Leshawn Tillett, Contestant, Independence Day Junior Pageant
“Buenas noches, a pleasant good night to one and all. My name is Leshawn Tillett. I am eleven years old. My ambition is to be a cosmetologist. My hobby is singing and dancing. And my Belizean proverb to you is ‘play with puppy, ih lick yoh mouth.’”
Shantay Zetina, Contestant, Independence Day Junior Pageant
“A pleasant goodnight judges, audience. I am Shantay Zetina. My hobbies are reading, dancing and softball. My ambition is to become a famous lawyer or an English teacher and my Creole proverb to you is ‘do so no like do so.’”
Tamia Murillo, Contestant, Independence Day Junior Pageant
“Good night ladies and gentlemen, I am no other than eleven year old Tamia Murillo. My hobby is singing and dancing. My ambition is to be a successful teacher. And my Creole proverb for you da ‘scornful dog eat dutty pudding.’”
Tamara Hemsley, Contestant, Independence Day Junior Pageant
“Buenas noches a todos, good night ladies and gentlemen. My name is Tamara Hemsley. I am eleven years old. My hobbies are dancing and reading. My ambition is to be an attorney. And my Belizean proverb to you is ‘da fool di talk but da no fool di listen.’”
Pageant coordinator is Birdie Francis. Tickets are available at the Bliss at fifteen dollars reserve, ten dollars general admission, and five dollars for children.
