By Steven Vickerie
Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight once said, “Pressure makes diamonds; the perfect cut”.
This timeless quote could not be more fitting for the sometimes grueling world of pageantry.
Women must undergo varying mental and physical tests to be reborn as their country’s finest gem of beauty and excellence.
Bartician Amel Griffith has so far passed every test thrown her way to become one of the rarest diamonds in the local pageant world.
With hard work and dedication, Amel stands as a queen for three major titles. She is the reigning Miss Bartica Regatta, Miss Jamzone and Miss Cricket Carnival.
The world of pageantry has indeed seen a shift in the way traditional competitions are judged. Some pageants have omitted the swimwear segment, focusing less on fitness and promoting more body positivity. For other contests, the parameters of beauty have extended to include married women, women with children and even transgender women to compete.
AMEL’S JOURNEY FROM BARTICA TO GEORGETOWN
Amel shared that at 8 years-old, she had left Bartica for her new home in Georgetown. She told the Guyana Standard that the decision for her and family to leave Bartica was to have greater access to better opportunities for jobs and education for her family. She however posited that while Bartica was a wonderful place to live, a life in Georgetown seemed a bit better.
“Bartica is a beautiful place to live. I mean the beaches, the eco life and everything was something to be mesmerized. What I loved more than anything about my hometown was the fact that because Bartica is so small, everyone looked out for each other. From adults to children, it was one of the things I still look forward to everytime I return,” Amel said.
She noted that the way of life in Georgetown was in stark contrast to Bartica. She recounted that she was astonished about how everything moved at a fast pace, from public transportation and even the way people carried on with their lives. Amel explained that adjusting to a life in Georgetown seemed slow at first but she quickly found her bearings. 
“My family and I did leave Bartica behind. We visited every year during the holiday seasons. We kept close with everyone and I guess that’s what kept me grounded and so connected to Bartica still. While we lived in Georgetown, Bartica was always in my heart and I am forever grateful for everyone who helped in my upbringing,” Amel said.
THE VALUE OF WINNING
Amel shared that her interest in pageants was birthed while only hearing about the elegance and fierce nature of the Miss Bartica Regatta. Amel recounted that she was not allowed to attend the show because her mother cautioned her that the competition was only for adults.
But while attending President’s College, the school’s annual Miss President’s College pageant provided an opportunity for Amel to step outside her comfort zone and begin her journey to transform from a caterpillar to a butterfly. The Alumni recounted that while competing, she learned that it takes a lot to prepare for such an event.
“Amel in heels? Come on, I was a tomboy in High School because I was involved in athletics. But I just felt in my heart that I had to do this, irrespective of the outcome. I had to make this step. I ended up not winning but I was able to take away so many valuable lessons from being part of the pageant,” Amel said.
Following that loss, Amel said she decided to compete in the 2019 edition of the Miss Bartica Regatta. Notably, Amel’s sister, Arian Richmond won the competition the year before. Richmond is also a well decorated beauty queen. Amel happily stated that in the Easter of 2019, she walked away with the Miss Bartica Regatta crown; her first win in pageantry.
“In losing I learned the value of winning. Winning Miss Bartica Regatta was such an accomplishment. I felt the pressure because my sister had the title the year before but I had to be focused and prepared physically and mentally. It was also a rewarding experience as well,” she said.
USING TRIALS AS FUEL TO ACCOMPLISH EVEN GREATER THINGS
Before competing at Miss Jamzone last year, Amel found herself in a very peculiar place. The former reporter and news anchor explained that she faced a number of trials. The Public Relations Officer at Hits and Jams noted that she had to use her trials and testings as fuel to launch herself to achieve more. She was determined to be undefeated by life’s challenges.
As a result of her resolute position, Amel last year won the 2022 Edition of the Miss Jamzone Pageant and would later represent Guyana at the Miss Cricket Carnival Pageant, competing against five other fierce competitors from across the Caribbean. In a packed auditorium at the National Cultural Centre, Amel emerged the first ever Miss Cricket Carnival Queen.
“What I learned through that period of my life is that through every negative experience there is always going to be a positive outcome as long as you channel your energy into bettering your craft and becoming a better person,” Amel said.
She continued, “When I stood on that stage I wasn’t standing alone, I was standing on the shoulders of people who invested their time, effort and even finances to see me succeed. I really hope my winning was an inspiration for others to never let circumstances stop you.”
MISS UNIVERSE
Guyana has had its fair share of bad luck at international pageants; either coming really close to the finals; and in some cases remain of “clappers” failing to make the semi finals. But Amel wants to change that by becoming the first woman from Guyana to win the Miss Universe crown.
She hopes to do this before her age eligibility runs out. Guyana currently does not have a Miss Universe franchise; not since the competition in 2017 was marred by controversy which resulted in the international organizers suspending Guyana from competing.
Amel is however adamant that using her experience, coupled with more training, she could eventually become a force to be reckoned with on the international platform. She told the Guyana Standard how important it would be to compete in the international leg of the competition.
“Being Miss Universe has always been a dream of mine. It would cement my pageant career. I am so passionate about competing at this level because this is not just any kind of pageant. This is the Superbowl of all pageants. I am willing to devote, if it takes years, to be ready for that competition,” Amel said.
The Beauty Queen encouraged young women to get involved in pageantry. She posited that while some may walk away victorious, the exposure and opportunities it offers are life changing with opportunities for personal growth and development.
“I was not the same young woman after I competed at Queens College. It changes you for the better and I always encourage other young women to compete, not for the crown but for the experience. Yes, winning a crown is amazing but the experience is also rewarding,” Amel said.
