By Yunus S Saliu
The Minister of Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Friday, 10th June 2022, presided over the signing of tripartite agreement between the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC); Biddy’s Promotion and The Gambia Fashion Designers, and as well launched the Miss Gambia Beauty Pageant.
Launching the Miss Gambia Beauty Pageant, the Minister of Tourism and Culture (MoTC), Honourable Hamat NK Bah gave history of Beauty Pageant in The Gambia, explained that it has a rich history and tradition dating back to 1964 when Elizabeth Renner was judged first Miss Gambia to coincide with the Independence celebrations of The Gambia.
He disclosed that from 1964 to 2001, the pageant was held regularly by various entities such as the Meta Youth Club, Banzig Club and also sometimes, it was organised by individual investors. “In this regard, I wish to remember hardworking people in the like of George Gomez, Mr Sering Secka, of blessed memory, who for many years had the singular courage and determination to keep the Miss Gambia Pageant alive,” Minister told the partners.
Sadly, the Minister said, “for 20 years now, this important event has not been held due to many different challenges which include, first, the Miss Gambia brand fell into disrepute due to scandals associated with it, including but not limited to, failure, of organizers to honour prize commitments to winners. Secondly, the Miss Gambia Beauty Pageant becomes embroiled in funding difficulties. And to organize the pageant is a capital intensive venture, so, funding is therefore critical. Thirdly, it seemed the Miss Gambia Beauty Pageant was like a free for all events which every Tom, Dick and Harry thought they had ownership of, and were shamelessly exploiting or even misusing it.”
Shedding more light on this, Honourable Bah said when he assumed office, he challenged NCAC to take up the ownership of the brand Miss Gambia, and protect “its image and status as a national event.”
Noting that even though government cannot organize the Miss Gambia Beauty Pageant but the government “will support partnerships like the one signed to have a successful event.”
Dilating on the importance of the Miss Gambia Beauty Pageant, he expressed believe that it has a lot of potential as a Tourism Product, as a cultural event and also as a mirror for Gambian womanhood and beauty; “this is why we need to ensure that only bona fide organizers can be given the franchise to organize it.”
But the Minister quick to alerted them that “you have been only given a franchise, the brand remains property of The Gambia government, if you exploit it well according to the Agreement, you will surely benefit, likewise our country. If not, another partner will be sought to carry along the Miss Gambia brand.”
The Minister, therefore, advised the partners to work hard to ensure that they are able to fulfil the assignment and organize a most successful Miss Gambia Beauty Pageant that will foster empowerment of Gambian women, inspire girl child, boost tourism and highlight the nuggets of Gambian culture and heritage.
The Director General of National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Hassoum Ceesay, said the signing of the tripartite agreement between the partners marks the holding of the Miss Gambia Beauty Pageant which the Centre has been working on now for a long time.
According to him, he said, the willing and dependable partners found through The Gambia Fashion Designers Association and Biddy’s Promotion which is highly recognized in the country as a promoter, media and Showbiz Company.
Commenting on this, Ida Bidwell, Chief Executive Officer of Biddy’s Promotion said the rationale behind this is to motivate and empower young people by giving them valuable prizes like plots of land, cars and among others. And more so, the event can expose and take them to international arena like the World Miss Tourism.
Ida Saine-Conteh, President of the Fashion Designers Association of The Gambia expressed delights over the new signed project which she said herself and the association is happy to be part of the initiative and the partners.