Pageant Director George Fynn Talks to Ghanaian News Canada
Miss Ghana Canada Pageant was saddled with controversy in 2001 when Miss Anita Aboagye (pictured) who was crowned Queen was later deprived of the crown. It was therefore believed that the Pageant could not be organized last year (2002) due to such controversy. However, the Pageant Director holds a different view from what people thought as could be seen from the chat below which he had with the Ghanaian News recently.
Ghanaian News: Last year the show did not come on. Was this due to the problems you encountered during and after the previous year’s show?
George Fynn: I do not recall any problems during the show however if you are referring to the crowning then I will say no. The show did not return last year simply due to lack of quality contestants.
Ghanaian News: We heard that you were not able to get Contestants and Sponsors. Can you confirm or deny this?
George Fynn: Quality contestants might have been a challenge but I assure you sponsors were not. As a matter of fact the pageant has more sponsorship offers now than we’ve ever had. As far as the contestants are concerned, it takes a lot of courage and guts to stand for Miss Ghana Canada. Only certain few ladies in the community possess these qualities and so it will always be a challenge to find quality contestants. Most people view pageantry as entertainment and will not necessarily think to participate.
Ghanaian News: What precautions have you taken to forestall any future occurrence now that you’ve decided to go ahead this year?
George Fynn: I will make it clear and simple to everyone. Here are the rules that all Contestants must acknowledge and sign before participating in the Miss Ghana Canada Pageant.
- 1. Contestant must be between the ages of 18 24 years of age. Not over the age of 24 on August 31, 2003. Show valid identification ( Drivers license, birth certificate, health card, or passport).
2. Contestant must be single and of Ghanaian Heritage. At least one parent must be Ghanaian.
3. Contestant must be born female and a residence of Canada.
4. Contestant must be able to certify identity, age and landed status.
5. Contestant must be able to certify that she is not and never has been married.
6. Contestant must never have posed nude or semi-nude in any photographs, films or publications.
7. Contestant does not have any violations of the law other than minor traffic violations.
8. Contestant agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations governing this pageant.
9. Contestant must be of good health and of good moral character. In addition to the above there is an extensive code of conduct that must be adhered to.
George Fynn: I was not aware that the pageant hired a choreographer director. All the positions in the pageant are volunteer positions. It is the pageant that chooses who to welcome back each year. The pageant generally shares an excellent relationship with all its affiliates. As far as anyone choosing not to associate himself or herself with the pageant whomever they may be I say good luck to them in their future endeavors.
Ghanaian News: How did you finally settle with Anita?
George Fynn: Anita got exactly what the pageant offered during discussions with her family. She was owed the prizes but not the crown. The crown and title as in all pageants belongs to the owners of the pageant.
Ghanaian News: So far as we know, contestants have always been a problem with you; at the very last minute some of them drop out. How are you going to deal with this situation should it occur again?
George Fynn: I am not aware of this being a reoccurring problem. I only know of one contestant that was not able to participate last minute due to a personal problem that she had. In addition, as I said earlier it takes courage, talent, intelligence and good moral character to be in our pageant. Not everyone possesses these qualities and some find that out after they have joined.
Ghanaian News: Selection of Judges. Previously you have had problem with some of you own judges, how are you going to make sure that it won’t happen again?
George Fynn: Once again I do not know how you define problem. All previous judges of the pageant have done their jobs excellently. I have nothing but gratitude towards these men and women. We might have differences in opinion on certain issues, but I do not identify this as a problem. Best wishes to all the past judges.
Ghanaian News: Do you have any words for your eight contestants and many fans?
George Fynn: To the eight contestants of this year’s pageant, you are the eight most courageous, talented and beautiful young ladies in the community that I know. There are many that talk the talk but cannot walk the walk. We are all proud of you even before you take the stage on August 31, 2003. Stay the course and you will be undeniably successful. To all our supporters we say thank you. This year’s pageant will not disappoint. We have special plans for you. To those that are not yet supporters, we ask you to have an open mind and make a sound judgment for yourself after you have had an opportunity to witness the pageant. The pageant is a community event that belongs to the community, which should be supported by the community. We are looking for elders in the community to act as a governing advisory council to the pageant. We can be reached at 416 219 7172.
Ghanaian News: Thank you very much George, for sure Ghanaian News will be there.
Photo: 8 qualified registered contestants
