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Competing in the Miss Princess of the World was a great experience – Miss Guyana

Miss GuyanaI felt very privileged to have represented Guyana this year, it was great experience said Christine Camacho Guyana’s representative to the just concluded Miss Princess of the World Pageant in the Czech Republic. Reflecting she said that she was given a lot of attention the minute she arrived and was introduced. According to her she was even rated most beautiful overall at the end of the contest given “my mixture of Indian, Amerindian & Portuguese appearance which made me  look much different from the European girls” As a result she  credits this to being the reason she probably got the most request for photos by guests and national directors.

In her opinion she did excellent in the PC discipline where she challenged the other girls in networking with the advantage of a good English background but in the end Miss Lithuania won the Princess title while Italy was second and Venezuela  placed  third.  For the pageant she took a taste of the Guyanese Amerindian Culture in  her costume which depicted Amerindian Heritage-our indigenous people. Her talent piece was an Indian classical dance which was also different from all the other dances presented. While in the Czech Republic included tours to the castles with golden walls where Kings & Queens used to live, palaces, chapels, city cruise, museums, caves, etc. as well as to places where ordinary visitors couldn’t access, shopping areas etc.

She recalls the challenge of having to adapt the cold weather, but managed to stay healthy and energetic unlike many others who had to visit hospitals.

Among all these pluses on her side when asked what caused her to not win or place even in the top nine she said “I did my best, sold Guyana as much as possible since those people didn’t know of Guyana, however had Guyanese supported more and voted online I would have had a better chance of reaching to the top 9.”

Christine Camacho also noted that had Guyanese supported her online “It would have surely built my popularity”. Nevertheless, she is happy that she has received proposals to enter another international pageant by other national directors including a proposal from the director of Lithuania.

Her trip was made possible by Ken Chung, Carwyn Holland, Ginesta David, Dimple Mendonca, Princess Hotel, Glamour, Sonia Noel, April’s Line, Industrial Safety Supplies, PCS Wireless, Ms. Ginnie Beauty.  What’s next following this first outing?

“I’m presently modeling part time for fashion shows including Guyana Fashion Weekend 2010 and has also been booked for appearances on television Commercials along a full time job as a consultant while pursuing studies at the University of Guyana for a Bsc Business Management.

Over all she said “I didn’t win any title but I did get the overall rating”.

By Mondale Smith

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Guyanese designer Andrew Harris – Best upcoming Designer at Caribbean fashion awards

Andrew Harris and ActressBarbados based Guyanese designer Andrew Harris is expressing a special ‘Thank You’ to all of his clients, well wishers and supporters since he started his fashion line.

Last Sunday night at the prestigious Caribbean Fashion Awards, Harris was awarded the Caribbean Upcoming Designer of the Year Award for his endeavors thus far.

Because of your belief in him, he was able to achieve it and according to his publicists Akeem Brach, you can expect bigger and better things from him and his fashion line in the future.

Just after winning the Caribbean Fashion Award for Caribbean Upcoming Designer of the year, Andrew Harris made the affirmative decision to show his collection in Guyana where it all began.

Harris said it was important to remember where you came from and with that, his 2010 collection ‘Masked’ will grace the catwalk of the Guyana fashion Weekend. Harris first became known to the Guyanese public during Carifesta X, 2008 when he won Desginer’s Portfolio, as Guyana’s Young Designer of the Year.

His collection – Masked – sends a message to everyone that no matter your color, black or white, red or pink we are all human and when our identity is not know we are exactly all the same. He looks forward to the day when equality among all races and social classes is achieved.

Harris said that persons can expect, his usual metro sexual look on the catwalk fused with his better understanding of textile construction.

As for his plans for the future, Harris is currently planning ‘Strut 2010’ (in Barbados) which will officially launch his 2011 Spring Summer Collection and ‘Lounge’ his resort collection. Strut 2010 will precede ‘Black Tie’ which is to be held in Guyana in May 2011.

By Mondale Smith

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Big names, promising newcomers enter Banks Groovy Soca Monarch

Head HuntersEntries close October 30

From the sounds on radio and the look of things the Banks Groovy Soca Monarch will be a most competitive music blast. According to word from the mash Secretariat officials, entries have been submitted thus far from hot popular acts as well as some very promising new comers all taking aim at the inaugural title.

As the conclusion date for submission of entries  to the Mash Secretariat draws closer Coordinator Sean Bhola has informed that the competition entries thus far has surpassed 20 and he is optimistic that even more entries will come in by the October 30th closing date.

Information thus far indicates that from the Kross Kolor Records Head Hunters Camp six artistes have submitted entries for a shot at the more than $2M in prizes. That list according to ace music Producer Burcmoore Simon includes three times Road March Queen Melissa Vanilla Roberts, Reigning Carib Soca Monarch Bonesman and the Fireman B52.

While Simon has held back on the other names coming from his camp we hear that the Headhunters Crew will also include three times Carib Soca Monarch Adrian Durchin and his X2 partner Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo as well as Michelle ‘Big RED’ King.

Some of the artistes are remaining silent on their involvement in the competition until after the shortlist is announced but the US based Dutchin has confirmed that he is ready to make a come back to the Mash Music competition circuit. Reigning six times Calypso Monarch Geoffery Phillips AKA the Mighty Rebel has also said that he has submitted his entry as did Young Bill Rogers. One of the new comers to the Mash music arena thus far hoping for a shot at the Banks Groovy Soca Monarch title also is the dreadlocks Rass Isan. Other names include Passion, and DelRoy Dash (half of 24K) as well as Gospel artiste Dallas Forte.

Entries are still being collected up until 17:00 hrs (5PM) on Saturday afternoon at the Mash Secretariat or the Groovy Soca Monarch Office in Durban Backlands at lot 211 Century Palm Gardens.

By Mondale Smith

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Adrian Dutchin: “taking it any how” for Groovy Soca Monarch

Adrian Dutchin“If you looking for me… with company or alone anyhow I taking it…” set to a groovy chipping soca flavor is the tool that three times Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin plans to use to take aim at the inaugural Banks Soca Monarch. The father of one who  originates from Kitty but now resides in the USA says he’s  ready to get back in his competition mode as he heaped praises on the architects on the new event.

This statement comes even as Dutchin is working out plans to market his new heart rending “I’ll never sell out” single and Video. He is excited about the idea of a new Mashramani competition and commends Banks DIH for taking the initiative to sponsor a competition that promotes Mash music long before the Republic Anniversary.

He had absented himself from the Carib Soca Monarch competition for two years after  copping the title  for a third time and  while he has not ruled out  competing  in the 2011 competition, he told Entertainer that he’s coming home for Mash and Christmas in one. From his home in New York he affirmed that “Every time I record it’s a very exciting feeling for me and yes I am entering the Groovy Soca Monarch.”

When asked why he said his decision to enter is because “it’s something new and it’s a contest for us by us (Guyanese)”.  He said too that he also loves the camaraderie and that its good and will help the art form to develop even more on the local shores.

While we have not heard much from Dutchin said he’s always doing music the likes of his new release “I’ll never sell out” and plans to promote the song and video because he thinks “its lyrics are very true.”

He has already completed his recording for the Groovy Soca Monarch and will be getting ready for Mash his “favorite time of the year”.

When asked of his plan for the competition if he makes the shortlist he categorically stated that he plans “to do nothing different but be my self on stage.”

Reminded that if he makes the shortlist he may have to compete against members of his camp including Jumo he said “it does not matter how many people from the same label is in a contest we all have very different styles and approach to things. But what is very important is to acknowledge the label for having nurtured the artistes to the level they are at”.

By Mondale Smith