The inaugural Miss Rural West Pageant is calling for applications from young women aged 18 to 27, with the goal of fostering empowerment and instilling a sense of community pride. Organized by Desrie Markham, the event aims to inspire the next generation of women through the tradition of pageantry, a cherished cultural practice in Antigua and Barbuda. Markham emphasized that the pageant is designed to celebrate the beauty and talent within the Rural West region, providing a platform for young women to emerge as role models and convey positive messages. This initiative marks the resurgence of community-based pageants in the area, which had been dormant since the discontinuation of the Miss Grays Green Pageant. Organizers have made it clear that there are no restrictions on body type, encouraging all interested women to participate. “You don’t have to fit a mould,” one organizer stated. “As long as you’re ambitious, dedicated, and intelligent, we’ll help you develop confidence and poise.” Applications for the pageant will close on 16 November. Those interested can apply online or contact Aaliyah Taylor (780-5260), Eddenya Aska (723-6093), or Janelle Haynes (776-6916) for further details.