HOPKINS VILLAGE, Stann Creek–Five lovely, intelligent and proud Garifuna young women vied for the title of Ms. Garifuna – Hopkins in the annual pageant held at Palmetto Grove Lodge in the traditional seaside Garifuna village on Saturday, November 1.
They are Aliyah Augustine, Shaineal Enriquez, Cleandra Casimiro, Ruth Nunez and Maria Matthews.
“After a job well done by all, introducing themselves in Garifuna, displaying their Garifuna dancing skills, eloquently answering questions posed on issues affecting the Garifuna community, and elegantly strutting their Garifunadüaü, Ms. Cleandra Casimiro was crowned Ms. Garifuna – Hopkins 2014 -2015,” said Uwahnie Martinez, the lodge’s owner.
The runner-up was Shaineal Enriquez, while third place went to Ruth Nunez.
“A thunderous applause from our community to all our five brave contestants who have now signed up to be our cultural ambassadors,” Martinez urged.
Dangriga also held pageant this weekend. The first place was captured by Ms. Dahjah Casimiro, who will also represent her hometown in the upcoming national pageant, slated for this Saturday, November 8, 2014.
This year’s Garifuna celebrations are being held under the theme: “Mibe la yanu. Awannse La Wadagiman, bungiyu waba wagiya larigi” (“Let’s not just talk; let the work progress – the Almighty before us and we behind”).
