Following her fourth-place finish in the Miss International Elegant Mother’s Pageant (MIEMP), Dominica’s participant Hendrica Smith says she intends to hone her skills and compete in future pageantry competitions.
The mother of one shared her delight at her performance at the show held in St Martin over the weekend in an exclusive interview with Dominica News Online (DNO) following her return to the island this week.
“I did my utmost best,” she said. “Regardless of the struggles I faced in the beginning. In the end, the result was great.”
Following the nearly seven-hour-long competition Miss Guyana Alicia Bess Anderson took home the crown, walking away with the awards for Miss Photogenic, Miss Popularity (Both at the show and on social media), Best Promotional Video, Best African Wear, Best Speech, Best Traditional Culture wear, Best Talent, Best Evening Wear, Best Interview Answer and Best Closing remark.
Miss Grenada, Tricia Grant Lewis, was the first runner-up, followed by Miss Sint Martin Diveltah Wilson, who won the Best Sunday Wear award; Miss Dominican Republic and Miss Congeniality Yissell Florentino, who finished third; and Miss Dominica, who finished last among the five contenders.
Regardless of the outcomes, the Salisbury resident claims that her overarching goals of showcasing her talents, skills, and intelligence; becoming a role model to society; and boosting her self-confidence were fulfilled and that it serves as a stepping stone to prepare her for future competitions.
“By the grace of God, I see myself partaking and winning in other shows in the near future,” she declared.
However, a huge number of people who viewed the show were dissatisfied with the results and thought Smith should have placed higher.
Many have called on Dominicans to boycott future MIEMP tournaments; however, Smith is opposed to such a stance and instead encourages young moms to “give it a try.”
“Once you have the right support and the right team behind you, you can achieve anything in life. So I will encourage other mothers to take part next year,” she stated.
The 25-year-old, who faced disqualification from the show due to her inability to pay for her necessary accommodations, has also expressed her gratitude to her Chaperones Everlyne Walters and Glenita Daniel, as well as the countless other individuals who she says made her journey possible.
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 recognize mothers through pageantry; but most importantly to “honour and shine a light on mothers for their humanitarian gift from God.”
The event took place in the Belair Community Centre in Cay Hill, St Martin.
She did her best!! judges did not do her right. She should at least please second or third.
A young girl with all that passion all the guts she need to leave Dominica to be somewhere in life. If not, she’ll never make it 🇩🇲
Lol boy allu in Dominica mad eh 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Congratulation,anything to put Dominica in a positive position I fully support.Any ahole who try to destroy and put this country in a bad light I detest.
Lazy Lin, no one is even attempting to put Dominica in a bad light. They are simply stating facts, speaking the truth.
Dominica is corrupt, majority of residents are dirt poor, is the most underdeveloped country in the OECS infrastructurally, the ruler is a certified dunce totally unfit for this position. All these are facts that cannot be honestly disputed.
Congratulations to you Miss Smith, you have proof lots of disgusting sewage people wrong well done 👍🏽
Do you believe Miss Smith or your trusted former MP, Reginald ‘Pitbull’ Austrie? Mr. Austrie cried out that he was fed up of Dominica being last in everything. That was the one and only time that we had ever heard this man spoke the truth.
Self confidence was the catalyst that drove you forward, and it’s the defeating feature of many of us on island. You defied all odds and did what you were determined to do. I wish that more Dominicans could frown upon negative criticisms, which abound on island, and pursue their goals!! I am sure you learnt a lot from the experience.
You are who you are, and you are proud of who you are! I LIKE THE ATTITUDE!!!
That dilapidated background was not the best place to take a beauty photo.
Cease and desist from hounding the young beauty. Her attitude to life is superb. The only time you are defeated is when you fall and don’t get up. Stand up, brush yourself off and try again. Tomorrow is a fresh start.
Lady…..don’t let a 4th place finish get to your head. Find something productive to do with your time.
boi boi boi that girl mad from since school days allu think mental health is a joke