The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Sheriff Janko
26 June 2009
Amy Betts, a young Gambian girl based in the USA was recently crowned as Miss Gambia-USA 2009, beating out 3 other contestants in a thrilling event that took place at the American State of Maryland.
It was the third edition of the Miss Gambia-USA pageant, under the leadership of Nyillan Fye. According to the pageant's website the beauty contest is geared towards advertising the Gambia to the America society and also offering young women the opportunity to participate in the development of their native country. With the slogan, crown a miss, educate a child, the pageant has supported schools with learning materials and also offering disadvantaged children the opportunity to stay in school.
Unlike the previous years, this year's pageant did not attract lot of participants and the turn out among Gambians was not very impressive. The four contestants were judged by their performances in different types of dresses and their responses to questions putted to them. Amy Betts, although a very young contestant with less or no experience in leadership, was able to thrill the crown with her eloquence. Her infectious smiles captured the attention of the crown. Following her victory, she decided to upload some of her amazing pictures from the contest on facebook and this has undoubtedly earn her more admirers and fans.
A photographer at the event also posted a photo of her in bikini, showing only the lower part of her body. The bikini photo might raise some controversy as to whether the pageant organisers do respect The Gambian culture. The newly appoint Gambian Ambassador to the USA, Neneh Macdoll Gaye was the special guest of honour but due to her busy schedule she wasn't able to attend. Miss District Columbia, USA was one of the judges.
The Miss Gambia-USA 2009 disclosed that she felt honoured to represent The Gambia. Speaking to What's On, a Gambian entertainment writer based in Europe said the Amy Betts might need some orientation on what it takes to be an 'ambassador' and a potential role model. Samsideen Phatty, a popular Gambian youth mobiliser, who recently travelled to the USA to further his studies, was the program manager. Amie Dibba was the first Miss Gambia-USA and she was followed by Khadijah Jallow.
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as salaamu alaikum, our women have been and are still being used by the white race. you do nothing about it nor do you protest. you cannot control are protect your women as long as you are in the white race's religion called Christianity. this religion of theirs gives you no desire or power to resist them. the only way or place to solve this problem is in the religion of al-islam (as taught by qur'an only, not by tradition). al-islam will not only elevate the black woman, but will also give you the power to control (in a… [Read Full Text]