This time, the new challenge will involve contestants, not only from the Caribbean islands, but also a number of other beauties from South and Central America, as they all vie for the huge EC$27,000 (US$10,000) cash prize and other gifts.
Miss Adams told miyVue.com in an exclusive interview, that the 2012 Miss Jam Zone International Pageant, scheduled for Guyana on Tuesday 21st August, will pose a greater challenge than Miss Caribbean Culture, given that there are more countries, with contestants from different parts of the world.
Since its inception in 2000, the Miss Jam Zone pageant which features as part of the annual Jam Zone Summer Break festival, has maintained an indisputable reputation as the most prolific pageant in Guyana. This unique beauty pageant pioneered by the Hits and Jams Entertainment Team, seeks to promote tourism and has more recently adapted the theme of ‘Promoting social and cultural cohesion in the Caribbean through pageantry’.
The standard of this event has been advanced with each passing year including the prizes which have evolved from $40,000GYD to a scooter, a car and presently $10,000USD.
In 2010, after ten years of remaining local, the organizers decided to change the pageant’s format and included the Miss Jam Zone International Pageant, which saw the winner of the local leg competing against several other participants from around the Caribbean.
Barbie told MiyVue.com that “The award is very high and this drives contestants to deliver higher standards.”
“I got interested in Miss Jam Zone when I was in Guyana last year for a fashion model shoot, at the time of the 2011 pageant, and after attending and witnessing the contest, I felt very strongly that this was an event in which I wanted to participate.”
She said it is a competition that is certainly going to bring out the best in her because she is determined to test her abilities on the international circuit, against contestants of varied backgrounds, experiences and skills; and it would allow her to discover if she is indeed progressing in pageantry at the highest levels.
“I think just entering local pageants does not give you the boost, the drive, to want to excel, but a regional pageant really tests your skills and abilities and provides a greater sense of accomplishment,” said Miss Adams.
When asked about what type of assistance she has gotten, the Caribbean queen said, “I have had some insights from last year’s St. Kitts & Nevis representative, Fatisha Imo, who has been of tremendous assistance in my preparations. She has helped me to gain a better understanding of what to expect…what the pageant is about, what they are looking for, and basically how to carry myself when I am there…and how to be best prepared once I get there.”
Barbie said in such a competitive field of contestants, there is always the need to find a niche and she stated that her edge will be her genuine friendly personality.
“My personality is going to be an asset. I am very genuine. I am easy to talk to, and at the same, I am a loving and fun person and these qualities will be displayed on pageant night and I think the judges will appreciate this personality.’
She said most of her financial assistance has come from the Miss Jam Zone committee in Guyana, which has covered costs related to airfare, accommodation etc.
The pageant has been divided into two general sections- elimination and finals.
Each contestant will be required to appear in Ambassadorial Wear, Swim Wear, Talent and Evening Wear, in the elimination rounds.
There is a heavy emphasis on tourism promotion as demonstrated in the Ambassadorial Wear, in which contestants are expected to depict something from their countries. In the Cultural presentation, this is expected to feature a talent that has to be linked back to a significant aspect of their nations and their way of life.
There are actually two swimwear segments; one based on a swim suit provided by the organizers and the other, the choice of the contestants, known as the Fantasy Swimwear.
From the elimination rounds the top contestants would then move on to the finals with the winner being decided by the Interview Segment. Points from the previous appearances would not factor at this stage.
“The previous appearances are really more of an elimination process and contestants have to work hard if they wish to make it to the next round,” said Miss Adams.
Barbie said her participation in this contest has come through much personal sacrifice. “This is my own journey and though it is hard, I am determined to excel.” She is due to return to St. Kitts on 24th August.