New Amsterdam basks in glow of beauty queens
--Second Miss Guyana in seven months
By Jeune Bailey Van-Keric
Guyana Chronicle
September 26, 2003
MISS Guyana World 2003, Alexis Glasgow, became the second beauty from the eastern township of New Amsterdam to have captured a national crown within seven months.
Last Friday, New Amsterdam honoured its lovely daughter with the presentation of the symbolic key from the Mayor and Town Council during a ‘homecoming’ visit by Alexis.
The first Queen was Ms Leanna Damond, who achieved the Miss Guyana Universe 2003 title on February 23 last.
Alexis, a flight attendant with the Universal Airlines, visited her hometown after capturing the coveted Miss Guyana World title on September 6.
Schoolchildren waved their multi-coloured flags along the Matthew Allen Public Road to greet the Queen moments after she had disembarked from the ferry. Scores of private and public sector employees took time out from their busy schedules to catch a glimpse of Alexis, who was at times transported in a specially decorated open-back lorry. At other times, she chose to walk around the 2.78 km township in order to pose for photographers, shake hands with well-wishers and acquaintances, and wave to the admiring groups of persons.
During a formal ceremony conducted at the New Amsterdam Town Hall, representatives of Alexis’s alma maters -- the Canje Secondary School and All Saints Primary School - paid her glowing tributes. Acting Town Clerk Ms Cheryl John, who presented the Queen with the key to New Amsterdam, noted that Alexis’s success is a step forward for the entire town.
Later, at a thanksgiving ceremony held in Cummingsville, a south eastern area in the town, and, where the Queen’s immediate family members resided, scores of persons gathered under a large tent to rejoice with her and to thank God for her success.
There, residents rendered sacred songs and offered prayers for her future achievements.
Retired Matron of the Georgetown Hospital Ms Joyce Gaim, reminded the beauty contest winner that it was God, who promotes human beings. She encouraged Alexis to use her newfound opportunity to help others.
Trichana, a Savannah Park Nursery School pupil, had to be placed on a chair to render the Sunday school chorus, “It’s bubbling, it’s bubbling.” The song seemed to express the joy the little girl felt over Alexis capturing the Miss Guyana World 2003 crown.
In addition, tokens and best wishes were received from Regional Chairman Kumkarran Ramdass and Commander ‘B’ Division Paul Slowe, among others.
Alexis, in her response, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and promised to make the township proud.