Praslin's beauty queen Angela Gonthier has said that, as Miss Ile Des Palmes 2003, she sees the two years ahead as challenging and is looking forward to work with the Praslin youths.

Speaking to the local media last Saturday December 13 at the Berjaya Praslin Beach Hotel after being crowned the first Miss Ile Des Palmes, 21-year old Angela said she hoped to be more active in promoting the abilities of her colleagues on Praslin.

As Miss Ile Des Palmes, Angela will also play a key role in initiating various activities to promote good values among the youths and other groups in her community.

Angela said that, during her two-year reign, she hoped to serve as a role model to other Praslin youths. As a leader of the youths, she has also promised to serve her community to the best of her abilities.

The former A' Level student from the Seychelles Polytechnic who is presently working as assistant manager at Le Tropique Villa at Grand Anse Praslin while awaiting her exam results, was endowed with the charm, beauty and grace to win over the approval of the panel of five judges who had quite a tough decision to determine who amongst the 15 ladies in the line-up should be bestowed the coveted title.

The first Miss Ile Des Palmes took away a cash prize of R5,000 courtesy of Miss Ile Des Palmes organizing Committee and a return ticket to any Air Seychelles' destination plus accommodation for one week sponsored by Air Seychelles. In addition, she received a coco-de-mer from Praslin Development Fund (PDF), a set of jewellery sponsored by Kreol 'Or and one-year membership at the Dome Discotheque.

Angela had words of thanks for all those who had supported her all along to achieve success. She had special words of thanks for Sany Hoareau who helped her to design her night gown.

First runner-up at Saturday's beauty pageant was 19-year-old Fara Ernesta who was also bestowed the Miss Personality title.

The A' Level student from the Seychelles Polytechnic won herself one return ticket plus accommodation for one week in Singapore sponsored by Sunny Kan.

Fara also received pocket money worth R3, 000 sponsored by the organising committee, a set of jewellery by Ricardo Workshop and one-year membership at the Dome discotheque.

As Miss Personality she won a weekend for two at Desroches Island Resort including flights sponsored by Travel Services Seychelles (TSS).

Twenty-year-old Audrey Annette, an A' Level student from the Seychelles Polytechnic, was the second runner-up. She received one return ticket plus accommodation for one week in Dubai sponsored by Dr V. Ramadoss, pocket money worth R2, 000 sponsored by the organizing committee, a set of jewellery sponsored by Kreol 'Or and one-year membership at the Dome Discotheque.

Audrey also conquered the Miss Photogenic title, which made her won a digital camera sponsored by Sunny Kan plus dinner for two sponsored by Maison Des Palmes Hotel.

After introducing themselves, the 15 participants paraded on the catwalk in their evening gown and swimwear. They also had the opportunity to show off their dancing skills in a dance pareo piece. The pareos were sponsored by Paradise Sun Hotel.

Then it was time to announce the five best finalists who were Angela Gonthier, Audrey Annette, Fara Ernesta, Veronique Carola and Udra Suzette.

The criteria used to select the winner were personality, intelligence, beauty and self-confidence.

To be able to choose the best three, the panel of judges ­– made up of government officials, private entrepreneurs and Miss Seychelles 1995 Shirley Low-Meng ñ asked   the contestants a series of questions on general knowledge and current affairs.

An inspired performance by some favourite Praslinois musicians and singers like Patrick Victor, Jean Ally, duo Selvain & Percy and Pascal Ally, went down a storm, as they managed to spur the crowd's enthusiasm with lively renditions of their hits such as Retourn Praslin, arousing the audience to sing and shout.

The next edition of Miss Ile des Palmes will be held in two years' time.

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