by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Nov. 2, 2023
In a stirring celebration of charm, talent, and lifetime achievement, the 28th annual Miss YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) Seenagers Pageant (commonly known as Miss Y) culminated in a vibrant ceremony on October 27, with 89-year-old Ms. Henrietta Gill being adorned with the prestigious crown at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts.
The event highlighted the pageantry of seven exceptional contestants, all champions of experience and wisdom, ranging from 58 to 89 years in age. Ms. Gill, a vibrant Belize City resident and mother of six children, emerged as the epitome of timeless elegance and social commitment from a distinguished lineup, securing her the title of Miss YWCA Pageant Queen.
Ms. Erlean Baptist and Ms. Shirlene Goff were the first and second runners-up, respectively, with Ms. Goff also claiming the Best Talent award.
In an event marked by formal wear splendor and dynamic conversations, the pageant not only showcased the contestants’ talents but also celebrated their life stories, redefining the societal view of aging.
Ms. Gill’s remarkable life includes roles as a community worker, boxing trainer, educator, and prison officer, and she captivated everyone with her confidence and dedication to public service.
Director of the YWCA senior group, Phillipa Sebastian-Cadle, expressed the pageant’s essence as a platform for women over 55 to demonstrate that beauty and vitality are not constrained by age.
According to Sebastian-Cadle, the winner brings immense value to the organization, especially in engaging with youth and troubled teens. “She brings a lot to the YWCA; as a matter of fact, she is one of our members in the Seniors group. She brings a lot because she works closely with the youths and troubled teens. As the new Miss Y, she will be able to assist us in those avenues and take part in the events and programs that cater in that area,” she noted, highlighting the importance of role models like Ms. Gill in society.
The pageant, which supports the YWCA’s mission to empower women and girls to lead positive lives, also serves as a fundraiser for valuable community initiatives. Proceeds from the event will aid the Seniors Programme and the Helping Early Leavers Programme (HELP), offering young women who have left school prematurely a chance to gain vocational skills and potentially become entrepreneurs.
“They can come to the YWCA and enroll in our afterschool program we have here. Programs which include cake decorating, pedicures, and manicures … some of them leave from here being entrepreneurs,” she explained.
Reflecting on her win, Queen Henrietta Gill expressed a profound sense of pride and a desire to challenge stereotypes about the elderly. “I feel very, very, very proud because the Y is an organization that is really about elderly people; and you know elderly people are not recognized by the young ones nowadays,” she emotionally expressed.
With her rich life experience and commitment to youth, she is dedicated to inspire not only her peers but also younger generations. “I’m asking you, I’m pleading to you all, in the name of the Holy Spirit, to please respect yourself. Try to be who you are, and you have nothing to fear,” she urged the youth.
Ms. Gill’s reign will see her actively involved in the community, particularly focused on educational initiatives. Her first order of business is a call for a Seenagers talent night on December 15th, continuing the pageant’s legacy of celebration and empowerment.
The YWCA extends its congratulations to all contestants, recognizing their participation as a powerful testament to the strength and beauty inherent in all stages of life. With a calendar filled with upcoming events, including the preschool’s Little Miss Y and Mr. Y pageant on December 6th, the YWCA continues to promote the cause of women and girls across all generations.