Contestants
By Bampia James Bundu
Ten contestants from 10 provincial districts will on 24 May 2014 battle for the Miss Sierra Leone 2014 beauty crown.
Addressing journalist at a news conference held at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Artistic Director of Miss Sierra Leone Limited, Dr. Julius Spencer explained that for the first time in the history of Sierra Leone they were hosting a beauty pageant that was of international standards and that participants were draw from various provincial districts.
He however said that all the contestants were at present undergoing a series of exercises "to keep fit" and improve on their skills, talent and ability to perform well. He maintained that the event was going to be professional.
Dr. Spencer revealed that the star prize was a brand new car with Le 10 Million and that the winner would receive a stipend of Le1, 200,000 per month for a year.
“Respect and dignity will be given to the winner, as a driver and a body guard will be attached to her for protection”, he said.
Acting General Manager of Miss Sierra Leone Limited, Lamrana Bah explained that they were hosting the contestants in one house to give them the opportunity to meet with senior citizens in the country and also for them to be assessed thoroughly. “40% of the total marks will be earned at the camp”, he said, adding that participants would not be displaying their talent on stage as they would do so in camp. He said “rigorous interviews will be conducted to determine contestants ability to speak fluently”.
Director of Culture, Foday Jalloh commend the organisers for their "hard work" in organising this year's pageant saying they were impressed as a ministry and hoped to see a successful pageant.
He said the ministry was "fully supporting" the exercise and would ensure the winner of the pageant represented Sierra Leone in the Miss World and other international pageants. “We will use the winner as a role model for all young girls, and we will transform her life for the better”, he concluded.
(C) Politico 20/05/14
