Hendrica Smith, Dominica’s representative at the Miss International Elegant Mother’s Pageant (MIEMP), is facing disqualification from the upcoming competition due to her inability to pay for her necessary accommodations.
Speaking to Dominica News Online (DNO), the mother of one stated that the deadline for competitors to fund their airfare and stay was yesterday-April 24 2023- and if this is not done immediately, she will be forced to withdraw from the event.
As a result, the Salisbury native has once again issued an appeal to any individual or business willing to help fund her voyage in cash or kind to contact her at 767 285 9125. According to the 25-year-old, individuals have claimed that they have been sending funds to an individual who Smith said she trusted to be in charge of her finance, but to date, none of the funds have been given to her.
“Recognising that I couldn’t have done it alone, I enlisted the help of a few people I thought could be trusted, but time has proven otherwise. A number of you have messaged and claimed you’ve sent me money which could have been used to cover my airfare and accommodations, but I’m sorry to say that I haven’t received a penny of what was contributed on my behalf,” she said.
As such she has implored the individual(s) who she says are “maliciously” collecting money on her behalf and failing to hand it over, to cease and desist from such actions and hand over or reimburse any funds collected thus far.
“It would be heartbreaking if I had to bow out from the competition owing to the greed and selfishness of an individual or individuals whom I believed had my best interests at heart,” she declared.
The Salisbury native, who is Dominica’s first representative in the event, has once again issued an appeal to any individual or business willing to help fund her voyage in cash or kind to contact her at 767 614 7626.
While she acknowledges that assistance is required to fund many other aspects of the show, she states that her primary concentration at the moment is on getting to the competitions.
“I would really appreciate it if anyone could find it in their hearts to help me,” she stated. “I will make certain that your business, if you have one, receives full recognition throughout this process.” 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 Related Issues’ is what pushed her to participate in the event.
During a previous interview with DNO, David Williams, the MIEMP’s National Director, highlighted, that the goal of the event which debuted in 2016, is to empower, uplift, and recognise mothers through pageantry; but most importantly to “honour and shine a light on mothers for their humanitarian gift from God.”
In addition to Dominica’s representative, 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.
So madam you take your time to go out there ON YOUR OWN ACCORD and now you asking for help. Young lady in as much as i am happy for you, but do you realize that there are lots of people out there who needs help medically, homelessness, hungry, in need of medication and cant find anyone to help them? Do you realize that what you are doing isnt recognized by the Dominican festivals commission or any cultural entities on Island?? Ti Mal bow out and go get the neccessary Authorities involved for next year and please take the people to court that volleh your money ok. You know who they are and the public who sent your money should go on the record to let you know what amount of money each one sent. Ok
Commenting for Ti Mal ok
Young lady I admire your confidence, wow. So many people in my church are shy to sing or come forward..you would do well in the God’s kingdom. No fear in you. Let God use you as you submitt to him girl. Only what you do for him will last. Partaking in this show will not matter after life is gone so i encourage you to come to God. Meet me at the blue church on center street. I will loók out for you. God loves you and wants to use you for his Glory.
And you want me to believe they care about the youth of this country
Can’t DNO help with sponsorship
I was told that she did this all on her own like she was not picked to represent
It is quite simple, if you are not able to raise the funds to participate, you have no choice but to sit that one out. In the end, you will be no worse off. These events are more hype than substance.
Johnjay, you talking bulls**t which government of this world sponsors any activities such as this, secondly Mr Skerrit,
Government doesn’t waste money you might be too dam thick to realize all the major work projects that is taking place, but on the other hand what good is a so-called workers incompetent supporters that could not tell the woods from the trees.
It’s just a big issue when it come to trust for some of us . ###money
Any excuse to replace her slim body shape with a big booty full of Asian horse hair, I like the big booty but time for slim and natural hair to make a come back. All-u took fat!
Replace by whom? Hendricka did this on her own, nobody knew anything about this contest and this is why she could not get sponsors. Can we just use Dominica’s name just like that?
Good luck Hendrika though it is a bit rich expecting others to stump up for the cost of your participation. If it is to represent us officially, like the Olympics the government would assist you I’m sure but otherwise you’re on your own I’m afraid. Like my granny always used to say, if you can’t afford it don’t buy it, that’s life.
What ashame on the Government of Dominica, the tourism association and other benefits group to boost up our tourism, economy and country .
Come on do better instead of wasting monies elsewhere.
The government is not responsible for providing her or anyone else with money to aspire to boost their own personal dreams. OK.nif the government feels to do so then it’s OK. But they’re not obligated to do so. And stop the stupidity of blaming the government for every little thing in this country. Thats a foolish concept many Dominicans have and that’s y they play lazy, sit back and wait on the government to do everything for them. Instead of blaming government y don’t you step up and assist the young lady. Give her a thousand dollars to purchase her ticket
She is NOT the first Dominican representative to partake in this event.
Dominica never had a rep in this event. Other Dominicans may have taken part but it was not to rep Dominica