Miss Jamzone 2022 Amel Griffith, a news reporter for Nightly News not only captured the hearts of many Guyanese but took home the crown at the end of the Jamzone pageant on Saturday night at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown.
The 21 year old snagged a lion’s share of the prizes at the end of the evening. She walked away with the most prizes: Best National Costume, Best Fantasy Swimwear, and Best Talent.
But this almost never happened- since pageantry was not even on the radar for Griffith in 2022.
After dealing with tragedy the young woman said that she believed she was not in the space to do pageantry- something she holds near and dear to her heart. However, with the encouragement of her friend- Dwight Ward, and a mentor of hers- at the last moment, she signed up.
“I remember it was the day of the cast calling where the committee was meeting with delegates who had already signed up. I had not. My friend Dwight kept calling me to go down to HJ and see where
it takes me. Despite that I had not registered, I put on a brave face and went down. Luckily myself and a few other potential delegates were given the chance to fill out the application on the spot and I was
interviewed. The next week I got a call that I was amongst the lucky few.” Griffith told this
newscast.
Then began the month-long grueling training that featured public speaking and etiquette
classes, modelling classes, and talent training sessions.
Griffith reflected on her journey from Miss Jamzone viewer to competitor.
“Growing up, I was completely in awe of the pageant and wished that one day I could strut on the Jamzone stage as well. Safe to say that I not only got that opportunity but was able to etch my name in history as the winner of the coveted title in 2022. I am honored and grateful” she said.
Sponsored by Fireside Suites and representing Anna Regina, in Randy Madray ensembles- the 21 year old woman wowed the crowd with her Fantasy swimwear, which depicted Guyana’s oil and gas sector. While on the pageant night, the audience and online viewers of the pageant were treated to a moving spoken word, poem, and dance about the splendor of the country. The University of Guyana student later graced the stage with a gigantic Randy Madray piece that depicted the market women and the budding Agriculture sector in Anna Regina.
Now that the Miss Jamzone pageant is over, Griffith said it is officially game time- as she gears up for all the work headed her way during her reign as queen.
The young woman also wanted to encouraged her fellow contestants,Jasmine Assanah, Shania Decosta, Jade Mercurius, Phelicia Adams, Omaiah Hall, and Jada Jones that the world is their oyster.
She encouraged the women who she dubbed as extremely talented to make the best out of every opportunity that comes their way.
While noting that the competition was not easy, she said she enjoyed every part of the journey.
“I knew I couldnt just show up and expect to win the pageant without even trying. It took a lot of hard work and a lot of important skills to master. I have room for improvements but I can’t wait to grow and do my country justice on the international stage one day” the newly crowned Miss Jamzone said.
She thanked the Jamzone committee for a job well done after their eight year hiatus, the trainers, her designer Randy Madray and the general public for their overwhelming support throughout the journey.
When asked her thoughts on naysayers- Griffith said “Like Guyanese always say it’s like ‘water on duck back’- I’m not going to let a few comments make me upset, when I have hundreds of positive feedback coming my way!”
Jasmaine Assanah placed second as 1st Runner Up. She also walked away with the Miss Summer Body, and Miss Social Media prize. The talented soca sensation Omaiah Hall walked away as the Second runner up.
Many patrons lauded the committee for the quality of delegates selected this year and praised them for a smooth and prompt program of Saturday evening- which began at 8:00 pm and ended around 11:00pm. The Audience were treated to performances from local artistes such as Calvin Burnette, Nekeita as well as steel pannist and a violinist.
