By Rehana Ashley AhamadHigh compliments are in order for the committee members responsible for pulling off a splendid inaugural Leguan Night staged last Saturday at the Community Centre Ground.Delegates from the Miss Leguan pageant.As the sun went down, the party vibes went up a few notches. Tempting music filled the cool air as dozens of visitors and hundreds of islanders, adorned with their finest, flocked the streets of small Leguan as they proceeded to the venue.Some walked to the centre ground while others were transported by cars, buses, and even trucks, to the event which included the much anticipated Miss Leguan Pageant.This, the major highlight of the night, saw nine beautiful young ladies vying for the much coveted crown. After five segments, including a Talent piece, an Evening Gown, and the most important, Question and Answer Segment, 20-year-old Indranie Rumpatie was named the queen of Leguan.The ecstatic young lady managed to win the hearts of the judging panel not only by the way she presented herself, but by her introduction, and the answer she gave to the question as well.Copping the first and official title of Miss Leguan, Rumpatie won herself$100,000 as well as a trip for two to the majestic Kaieteur Falls, compliments of the Ministry of Tourism.The Queen was followed by first runner-up, Tejwantie Rampersaud, second runner-up Adeola Austin, third runner-up Tabitha Persaud, and fourth runner-up Serika Parasram.The other contestants were Taramattie Oudit, Devika Mahase, Natasha Sookraj, and Roxanne St. Hill.Special prizes were also awarded, with Adeola Austin copping those for Best Smile, Best Evening Gown, and Best Talent Piece.Miss Congeniality went to Taramattie Oudit, while the Best Introduction and Best Cultural Wear went to the newly crowned queen, Indranie Rumpatie.As part of the night’s activities, there was also a mini-expo which showcased agricultural produce, clothing, as well as a variety of culinary delights, including the island’s famous Iguana dish.The thousands in the crowd were entertained by the energetic members of the Shakti Strings Band which is led by one of Guyana’s heartthrobs, and a genius with the keyboard, Avinash Roopchand.The entertainment was notably fantastic. The talented dancers and lead singers Joel ‘Prince JP’ Pharous, Pooran Seeraj, and Steven Ramphal succeeded in leaving no space for boredom, and no stone unturned when it came to getting patrons to their feet.Their performance even had His Excellency President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali dancing and singing.From shaking in their seats,Cheap Flyers Jerseys, both the President and the Minister, accompanied by Dharamkumar Seeraj of the Guyana Rice Development Board, took their talents to the stage, making the crowd go wild.While their dance moves were somewhat “okay” a major highlight was the President singing “Leguan Baboo;” it was surely considered a treat.Leguan Island is a small island situated in the delta of the Essequibo River, nine miles (14 km) long and two miles (3.2 km) wide. It is roughly twelve square miles in area.This paradise has an estimated population of 4,200 living in 27 demarcated villages. The population has declined fairly rapidly during the past decade as residents leave to settle in more urban parts of Guyana or migrate.Leguan is primarily rice farming and cattle rearing community, other employment revolves mostly around government offices, teaching, health care, and policing.Given the sometimes overlooked beauty of the Island, the Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali said that he found it necessary to host such events in order to promote the island and increase its tourism.Apart from the very hospitable people and tasty foods, I will always remember Leguan for its breathtaking beach.However, it does need some amount of maintenance, nonetheless, I had a great swim. Until next time Leguan!
