Nashava Thompson crowned Miss Emancipation Queen 2023

Twenty-three-year-old Nashava Thompson, an office clerk attached to Food For The Poor Guyana Inc outshone six other contestants to win the Miss Emancipation 2023 title on Saturday last at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).
She also walked away with the prizes for Best Spoken Word Poetry, Best African History Presentation, Best Smile, Miss Congeniality and Best Evening Gown.
The first runner-up spot went to Aaliyah McKoy, who was also awarded the People’s Choice Award and the award for the Best Stem Project. Deneita Fredericks was adjudged the second runner-up while O’Neilka Bacchus copped the third runner-up spot and Alisa McKenzie in the fourth runner-up spot.
In a brief interview with Guyana Times, Thompson, who aspires to be a psychologist, related that the experience was exciting and at the same time, nerve-wracking.

She added that she will continue to promote her platform about the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to host workshops and seminars to educate the public.
“I want to use my reign as queen to encourage more perseverance and commitment by African people, so we can stand strong in what we believe in and go after whatever that is” she further added.
She, however, thanked her main sponsor, SAC shipping company, as well as all of her fans and supporters, and, of course, her family.
The night initially began with the seven contestants introducing themselves after a well-choreographed dance piece. This was followed by a presentation by each delegate on the African culture in Guyana. Before the ladies returned in their cultural wear, the audience was entertained by a dance piece by members of the Best Dance Studio.
The stage was lit as the delegates appeared in their traditional Afrocentric pieces and gowns made from kente cloth. The delegates also had to present their stem projects. The girls were also asked questions by their fellow contestants, in keeping with the theme of the pageant.
By this time the final five were announced, much to the delight of the audience, and made way for the intelligence segment. The contestants were asked how they can use AI technology to better educate their African sisters in various communities across the country.
Meanwhile, the Director of the pageant, Gaberial Atherley, was pleased with the growth of the pageant over its eleven years in existence.
“It has moved from where it was in 2012 to a different level now, where the girls get to learn about website building and learning more about using AI technology. I can comfortably say that this was our best year yet, but we fully intend to make next year even better.”
The judging panel for the pageant included Chief Judge Alicia Best, who is also the current Miss International Elegant Mothers; Karen Ann-Abrams, Nelsion Nusre, and Miriam Alexander, Miss Jaycees Representative.