Ahead of the pre-launch of the 5th edition of Miss Earth Liberia on Saturday, 18 February in Gbarnga, Bong County, 13 gorgeous contestants representing various elements were on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 unveiled at a ceremony held at D. Calabash, Congo Town.
The unveiling ceremony attracted some officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and La Queen Entertainment.
Annually, the pageant is co-hosted by the EPA and La Queen Entertainment, a non-political entertainer established in 2018 by former Miss Liberia, Wokie Kou Dolo to promote arts and entertainment.
Miss Earth Liberia advocates for environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility.
Reigning titleholders work with the EPA to promote specific projects, especially projects dedicated to addressing environmental and other global challenges like climate change through awareness, tree planting activities, street campaigns, cleanups, and speaking engagements.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Miss Dolo said the event was intended to officially present the contestants to authorities of the EPA and by extension to the public.
She disclosed that La Queen Entertainment has been overwhelmed with the number of young ladies expressing interest in the show, as 20 gorgeous ladies applied to participate in the 2023 edition of the pageant.
According to her, following vigorous scrutiny 13 candidates were selected for the pre-launch, which is scheduled for Saturday in Gbarnga, Bong County.
Miss Dolo disclosed that there would be the elimination of contestants who failed to perform, noting we believe in “quality not quantity”.
The 13 contestants are Princess K. Dolo, Goddess of Light; Salafana G. Scott, Goddess of Fire; Jamesetta P. Wongbeh, Goddess of Water; Veronica McGill, Goddess of Rainbow; Priscilla Q. Crabbe, Goddess of Stars; Cassandra Y. Peters, Goddess of Flower; and Gandemere N. Kolnagbayan Goddess of Air.
Others are Rejoice E. Hunter, Goddess of Time; Tyra G. Manigan, Goddess of Sun; Ruth S. Baysah, Goddess of Moon; Mercy Y. Butty, Goddess of Plant; Famata F. Kromah, Goddess of Tears; and Joward T. Sayon Goddess of Heritage.
The contestants were provided the opportunity to introduce themselves and explained the element they represent.
Following, the showcasing of their various elements, officials of the EPA provided feedback, which was not encouraging.
For instance, John Jallah, manager for Compliance and Enforcement cautioned the contestants against memorizing literature relative to their elements.
Manager Jallah explained that the contestants are playing important roles, noting that the earth’s system has been altered by human activities. He made specific reference to the earthquake in Syria and Turkey.
For his part, Angelo D. George, chief of staff in the office of the Executive Director also stressed the need to contestants to familiarize themselves with the materials, while Comptroller, Elizabeth P. Hoggard asked the contestants to gain confidence in themselves and in what they do if they must succeed.
Also speaking, Chris B. Kabah, manager for Planning and Policy said it was important for the contestants to read more since many of them don’t have a background in the sciences.
He also stressed the need for them to place emphasis on environmental protection management and capture what is happening at the EPA under Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh.
Jeremiah Sokan, head of the National Climate Change Secretarial lauded La Queen Entertainment. He disclosed that the platform offers a great opportunity and provides exposure and a network that will beneficial to the contestants.
He asked them to properly position themselves and go for what they believed in and encouraged them to be critical and selective about the words they use.
The Manager for Administration, Josephine Doles encouraged the contestants they can do it. “She said this is your space. You decided to be in this space. You can make it.”
EPA Deputy Executive Director, Dobayou didn’t mince his words when he said the “contestants performed half empty.”
He buttressed what other staff said about the need for contestants to read more and familiarize themselves with the elements they represent so that they can be specific and not generic.
Dobayou also encouraged the contestants to correlate their elements with their advocacies and prepared themselves so that they cannot be distracted.
He also stressed the need for contestants to be time conscience, provide accurate data and walk on stage majestically as royals.
Dobayou is hopeful that this year’s pageant will be more competitive.