Faydeha King, 21, who hails from the ancient county of Berbice, was in the wee hours of Monday morning crowned Miss Bartica Regatta 2013 when the pageant was staged at the Bartica Community Centre Ground before a well-behaved audience.
The newly-crowned queen outshone seven other exceptional young women to win the much coveted title.
King enjoys riding and a good game of hop-scotch. Like the majestic Canje Pheasant, she sees herself as a cut above the rest and calls herself a rear species of bird that is found in this part of the world.
The young lady who from the inception was a top contender for the crown, sealed the deal when she responded to her final question, “What is the proudest moment of your life?”
In her response, she said that the proudest moment of her life was a few years ago when her mother told her that she was proud of her after she was successful at her exams. That statement, she added is one that any child would want to hear from their parents. A teacher by profession, King also copped the prizes for the best introduction, body beautiful, evening gown and best platform presentation.
The fluent contestant breezed through the introduction segment, winning the hearts of the crowd and moreso the judges. Soon after, she left them speechless after she performed her master piece on violence in schools, which was her platform. Moment later, she dazzled with her evening gown titled “Still waters run deep” designed by Neilson Nurse. The masterpiece created a buzz among the spectators as she stepped on stage with the heavily sequins white gown.
The gown represented the assets of nature, particularly water, referring to the majestic Essequibo River. She also swept the judges off their feet when she displayed her two-piece swim wear designed by Miss Jaycee International and Former Miss Guyana Universe 2007, Meleesa Payne.
The newly-crowned queen sponsored by Partner Investment won $500,000 and other prizes, and will have a change to represent Guyana in St Kitts and Nevis and Grenada in two regional pageants.
Alicia Bess, 23, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), sponsored by CB &R Mining Enterprise copped the first runner-up spot while Jamilah Jones, 19, of Eccles, EBD, sponsored by Indi & Sons General Store modelled her way to the second runner-up spot. Bess received $250,000 while Jones got $150,000.
Coming in as the third runner-up was Eksi Edwards, 18, from Buxton. She was sponsored by Prestigious Inc, and secured $100,000 for her effort in addition to other prizes.