When the Miss Deep South 2019 pageant was held during the annual August Games at Shea, the northernmost of the Deep South Rupununi’s indigenous villages, there were only two contestants vying for the headdress.
Nonetheless, Emily Antone, of Karaudarnau, and Naomi Foo, of Shea, kept the audience guessing as to who would claim the title until the very end.
Every year, the six villages participating in the games are expected to field at least one contestant for the title. However, only Karaudarnau and Shea managed to do so this year.
Unlike many pageants that incorporate modern gowns, the contestants were only allowed traditional clothing. They were both required to give their introductions in the Wapichan and English language and were judged based on their fluency in both. The two contestants were also judged on their introductions, traditional wear and talent pieces.
