Dominica’s representative at the International Mothers pageant says she’s undaunted by the negativity

Amidst mixed reactions to her participation in the upcoming Miss International Elegant Mother’s Pageant (MIEMP), Dominica representative Hendrica Smith says that she remains undaunted by the negativity.

Following news of the mother of one’s involvement in the organization’s sixth annual event, many flocked to the organization’s Facebook Page to congratulate the young mother, while others voiced dismay over her selection, encouraging her to withdraw from the competition. However, the Salisbury native, who is the first Dominica representative at the event, is confident that on the night of the grand show, she will prove her doubters wrong and bring home the crown for the nature island.

“The message that I will send out there to persons who are being negative is that positivity brings happiness and negativity gives sadness,” she stated to Dominica News Online (DNO).”The choice is yours, never look down on someone. To the persons who are in full support of me, I would like to say thank you so much for your words and encouragement.”

Given the extent of negativity generated when Smith’s images were first revealed, show organizers issued a public statement on their Facebook Page condemning such activities while praising the 25-year-old for her “resilience.”

“This platform is all about uplifting, empowering, and recognizing mothers around the globe,” they said. “We do not discriminate nor do we tolerate cyberbullying, we allow mothers to be ambassadors, leaders, and influencers for [their] country, we also allow them to have a voice to speak out on various situations a mother goes through, this is not just another pageant to us, it is a platform to celebrate mothers of all shape, sizes, and shade of color.”

The statement continued, “Our Pageant committee [applauds] Miss Hendrica Smith for her resilience because even though we have declined her first set of photoshoot pics, she [was] [determined] to try to do it over again and she [asked] to give her another chance, with not many [resources] and support she still [tries]. We truly recognize her effort as a single mother and as a woman who does not [easily] give up nor take NO for an answer. What we see in her is a fighter and we will not discourage her. We choose to embrace her.”

Instead of “criticising, bashing, and bullying her,” the organisers urged Dominicans to band together to help her. Smith, who has competed in several local pageants, says her desire to showcase her talents, skills, and intelligence; to be a role model to society; to boost her self-confidence, and to share her advocacy under the platform ‘Women’s Empowerment and Related Issues’ is what pushed her to participate in the event.

“A pageant is not just about having nice outfits only. Consistency is the key to success, determination, a positive mindset, and self-discipline. Because of the hard work I put in, I am a passionate mother at heart and whatever I do I do to the best of my capability. I definitely got the power and confidence to go out there to do my utmost best,” she asserted.

Regarding the selection procedure, which many have questioned, David Williams, the MIEMP’s National Director, stated in an exclusive interview with DNO that the six ladies were chosen after a rigorous screening process.

“After they completed the application, we sent them a list of questions in which we get to know a lot about the mother. This is followed by a video chat where we find out what inspired her to take on the initiative to participate in the pageant and why would she like to have the opportunity to represent her country,” Williams explained.

He went on to say that as the pageant grows, the organisers hope to expand their cooperation in numerous nations to create franchises in which the winners of the various events will represent their country at the main event, thereby removing the current screening process.

The goal of the show which first started in 2016 is meant to empower, uplift and recognize mothers through pageantry, but most of all to “celebrate and honour mothers through this platform and being able to shine a light on mothers for their humanitarian gift from God.”

Meanwhile, Smith has launched an appeal to any individual or business wanting to help fund her journey in cash or kind, to contact her via telephone at 767 2859125. In addition to Dominica representatives, the other five ladies contending for the throne are Miss Dominican Republic Yissell Florentino, Miss Jamaica Nyisha Martin, Miss Grenada Tricia Grant Lewis, Miss Guyana Alicia Bess Anderson, and Miss St Maarten/St Martin – Diveltah Wilson.

The two-part contest will begin on May 12 with an all-white event in which the ladies will compete in their first and second judged rounds- interview and traditional culture wear. Night two, May 13, will comprise four rounds, including African clothing, Sunday Best wear, talent, and elegant evening wear, followed by the crowning moment.

According to the organisers, plans are currently being made to have the event streamed online.