Praising Pintos for grooming Manchester queens
Published:Saturday | March 1, 2014 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
There are moments in life that cause one to reflect on the experiences that helped shaped one's life. Today, I can attest to the fact that the Miss Manchester Festival Queen contest under the leadership of Mrs Pinto was a memorable experience.
We were coached by Mr Pinto, who from the moment we met, told us that we were queens who would make a difference; and today, I still live my life as a queen who makes a difference. Thank you, Mr and Mrs Pinto, for teaching us the true meaning of being a Festival Queen - one who is culturally aware, talented, and a community developer with the ultimate goal of becoming a nation builder.
It is with this foundation that I remind the current Manchester Jamaica Cultural Development Commission organisation that it is not about what degree you have or what occupational title one holds, but it is about the roots of our culture.
Bring back the days when we would meet up with our dressmakers and smile and appreciate our dress designs that were modelled after our national symbols. Bring back the days when we would show up on time for our interviews and commit ourselves to community events and activities. Bring back the days when wearing our sponsored sashes made us proud to be Jamaicans.
My challenge to you for 2014 is to choose a queen who rises above the rest by bringing back this contest to its true roots, that we all walked with a sense of equality and, in doing so, walked away with a lifetime of friendships and memories.
GAYNOR GORDON-SMITH