By: Tijan S. Touray
Kaddy Samateh, Miss Personality-The Gambia, has stated that there is an urgent need for the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports to invest in pageantry to enable Gambian pageants to reach international platforms such as the Miss Universe.
In a recent interview with The Voice, Samateh explained that The Gambia can only be recognized when the government takes full responsibility for empowering youngsters in this industry.
“The government’s investment in the pageant industry is essential for participants in The Gambia to grow, thrive, and make meaningful contributions to society. The Gambia’s absence from Miss Universe was caused by insufficient government support,” Madam Janneh said.
The international Miss Personality urged the government to provide backing for national pageants such as Miss Gambia, Face of West Coast, Miss Environment, and Miss Heritage, stressing that those who engage in pageants come from families and need something at the end of every competition.
She emphasized that the government’s investment in the pageant industry will empower the industry to create a lasting impact in their communities, noting that such support can enable young people in the sector to achieve their full potential.
Samateh also added that the challenges faced by the pageant industry should be prioritized by the government as they are crucial and need urgent solutions to foster the growth of the pageant sector, noting that of utmost importance is financial stability and inadequate mobilization.