The promoters of the Sari pageant blew an opportunity to ‘get it right’

Nov 24, 2008 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
After reading the article captioned “Sari Intrigue” in the SN dated the 1st November, 2008, I was motivated to share my views with the public.

That article highlights that there are too many pageants in this under populated country but went on to say, and I quote, “the numbers hardly speak for quality, though you may think that after so many attempts somebody would get it right. The Sari Pageant 2008 almost did it but almost doesn’t count”.

Indeed the promoters of this pageant had an opportunity to get it right; however, it’s sad to say they allowed that opportunity to slip through their fingers.

The recently concluded Sari pageant was in my opinion one with no caliber. As such I hereby express my regret of having participated in such a pageant. As delegate number one I would like to utilise every opportunity to implore young ladies not to enter a future pageant. I am appalled that the return of a pageant that was appreciated by so many Guyanese was met with so much disenchantment and condemnation.

Moreover, the events that unfolded on the night of the 25th speak for itself. It’s no secret that what was supposed to be a grand celebration of the return of the Miss Sari Pageant ended with shouts of disapproval from the audience. For mysterious reasons the judges deliberated for more than one hour and when finally the results came in, the crowd went hysterical.

While many may be of the opinion the judges decision is final, it was a complete disgrace and not only an insult to my intelligence but the public at large. One characteristic that is labeled with being a judge is impartiality. However, upon reviewing the tapes, it is clear for the public to see that two of the three judges were applauding particular contestants who were eventual winners.

What opinion one is left to form after viewing such an unethical act? More importantly, the public needs to be told of the reason that caused the judges to deliberate for over one hour. To my mind, these three individuals after viewing each contestant’s performance should have scored immediately in the various categories after which the end result would be the tallying of scores, and I am sure the calculator is a very simple instrument to use.

While the judges may be of integrity, I would like to know their experience to judge a Sari pageant, which I was told upon entering the pageant was solely focused on one’s ability to display the pallu of a Sari. I stand to be corrected but if I recall clearly, the introduction segment was focused on each contestant’s ability to tell the audience and the judges who is, for example, Romona Arjune.

That segment was intended to inform everyone about each contestant: their name, age, where they live, what they do and so forth. Had I been informed that my introduction should have included a definition of Diwali and even my opinion on the controversy as it relates to the name of the pageant, perhaps I too would have gotten applause from the judges.

The lack of professionalism during the weeks leading up to the pageant was flabbergasting. Contestants were not sponsored days before pageant night, which resulted in one contestant being sponsored at the very last minute by an overseas company, which to my mind raises questions. Perhaps someone can explain to me the interest an overseas company has in Guyana as it relates to promoting the company’s interest, which is done via sponsorship of a contestant.

The sashing ceremony hosted by the committee at Pegasus defeated its purpose. The delegates sashed themselves!!!! A cocktail party was organised in order that contestants may meet and interact with their sponsors. To many of the contestants’ disappointment, many sponsors did not show up. One of the reasons given for this was the controversy over the name of the pageant.

If the sponsors were deterred from coming to that event for the given reason, then why get involved at all? If sponsors have taken a bold step to sponsor a particular contestant why not come forward and meet the delegate on whom your finances would be spent. After all it is a competition and I would like to think that any sponsor would like to meet the delegate whom he thinks can win the competition. I carried the name of a sponsor, and like other contestants I have never met my sponsor.

While to some this may seem trivial, it’s just another example of an unleveled playing field. I was delegate number one not by choice. While everyone was given a fair opportunity to select a delegate number, I was told that I was number one. In my absence delegate number one was left for me. Accepting the delegate number I took the stage and delivered to my supporters much to their satisfaction. Like the general public, I too was very shocked with the results.

However, glaring at the public is the truth which cannot be altered.
I would like to reiterate, one of my reasons for entering this pageant is that I viewed the pageant as providing a unique platform for cultural expression, particularly that aspect of the Indian culture that encapsulates the Indian garment preferred by most women across the sub continent of India, the Sari. The pageant could have been one which provided the opportunity to showcase and promote the Indian culture at a higher level. Instead it proved to be nothing but an insult to my intelligence and of course a pageant with no organisation and standard.

On that note, I conclude by saying that what could have been the revival of a pageant that was appreciated by so many Guyanese was allowed to be tainted and now leaves the doors open for much more criticism.
Who is to say that next year will be any different, if not worse! Young ladies with potential I implore you to be cautious when making any decision to enter pageants of this nature.

Ramona Arjune

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