Nineteen-year-old Withney Loshanna Robertson was on Saturday night transformed into a modern-day Cinderella, thus it was small wonder that she was crowned the new Miss Region Three at this year’s cultural pageant held at the Leonora National Stadium, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Robertson was also able to capture the ‘best gown award’ with her N. Murray-designed outfit.
Organised by the Region Three (3) Pageant Organisation, the event saw eight beautiful young women in the persons of Geetanjali Ashley Nauth, Sonia Cummings, Kasherell Tiffany Payne, Anicia Williams, Marcia Clarke, Olancia Howard, Sonia Harris and Withney Loshanna Robertson competing for the coveted crown in the evening wear, talent, swimwear and intelligence segments.
Before the pageant commenced, each delegate had to choose a platform, and, in the time leading up to the pageant, had to promote that platform.
Robertson’s platform was environmental protection, and she said she chose that platform because “the environment protects us and we should protect it”. According to this stunning young beauty, Guyanese are too lackadaisical towards the environment, which is another reason for her choosing this platform, since she wanted to bring about awareness on protecting the environment.
The aspiring nurse, who hails from the village of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was a standout throughout the pageant. She graced the stage with her confidence, rocking a purple suede mermaid gown with royal blue sequined applique and embellishments designed by the super-talented Naomi Murray of N. Murray Designs.
Withney Robertson poses with first runner-up Ashley Nauth and designer Naomi Murray (at centre)
Robertson distinguished herself from the other delegates during the talent segment when she performed her piece, “Emancipated Woman”, written by Marva Langevine. The aim of Emancipated Woman is to empower women to live up to their full potential. According to Robertson, “The poem wasn’t just for my Afro-women, but (for) all women — on how they should emancipate themselves from anything negative, and they should stick to their true self”.
When announced the winner, the crowd favourite was stunned, but quickly recovered and gracefully took to centre stage to be crowned.
Geetanjali Ashley Nauth was crowned first runner-up, beating Anicia Williams into second runner-up position. Ashley lit up the stage with a golden sequined body conned evening gown with trail and black beaded French lace; while Anicia Williams glowed like a jewel in her laced coral gown that had an elaborate trail and black rose details.
This is the first time that Naomi Murray has designed for a pageant, and she was also responsible for designing five of the other exquisite gowns, which allowed the delegates to grace the stage looking their best. From the designing talent she displayed at this pageant, it is clear that she belongs in the big league.
Other awards were given to the remaining delegates, with Marcia Clarke being awarded for having the best smile in the pageant.
The event concluded with a lively performance by upcoming Jamaican artiste Savage.
