AT THE END of the big night on November 20 they finished as also-rans.
Two weeks later, the parish ambassadors from St Lucy were elevated to outstanding.
There are still more questions than answers, but what is certain is that as of last Saturday, Sadie Maynard and Tony Pompey are the Most Outstanding Parish Ambassadors in this year’s Spirit Of The Nation Show. The young lady from Rock Hall and her partner from Checker Hall brought a pride to their parish that had not been there since 2007, when St Lucy last won the coveted title.
Maynard and Pompey and the ambassadors from St Peter, Debra-Lee Grant and Ricardo Marshall, with whom they are sharing the title, have gone where no other has gone before. They are the first in the history of the competition to be adjudged joint winners.
As would be expected, Maynard and Pompey have gone through many emotions since November.
First, it was reaching a point of acceptance that they had not placed, even though the points going into the final day had them well placed. Then there was the wait for the outcome of the investigation ordered by Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley. Then the outcome they had toiled for all those months – they had reached the mountain top.
“I was, like, ‘okay’. I wasn’t too high or anything else. It don’t seem like it hit home as yet,” Maynard said.
It was a similar experience for Pompey.
“It was, like, ‘yes’. You feel good, but you can’t believe it . . . . I’m waiting for it to really sink in,” Pompey said, adding that he had an overall great experience on the journey.
Now that all the controversy is behind them, and they are adjusting to their new titles, both are reflecting on the journey which saw them getting to know each other, working as a team and bringing home the bacon for St Lucy.
It was not without its challenges, however.
“It was rough . . . . Trying to think up about how you’re going to highlight your parish, what you want your project to be based on and then executing it to the best of your ability to at least get more than half of the residents to know what you’re about,” Maynard explained.
They both agreed that the training sessions were invaluable. Both were exposed to things like public speaking, financial management, etiquette and grooming.
Sadie said the week leading up to the show was very challenging, as they had to juggle rehearsals, fittings, work and school.
Both Maynard and Pompey are students of the Barbados Community College. Maynard is pursuing an associate degree in psychology, while Pompey is a few exams away from completing his associate degree in physical education.
The entire journey from being chosen to be an ambassador to the end was simply “great, great, great” for Pompey.
Judging from the smiles on their faces, the parish project titled Lucy – Her People, Places, Prospects was one of their more fulfilling exploits. It afforded them an opportunity to learn more about their beloved St Lucy and meet lots of people.
“St Lucy people, [I] love them always. Especially the senior folk. The senior folk have so much to offer; all they need is just the chance to talk. To sit down and have a conversation. They pass on their knowledge to us, and we spoke to so many of them,” Pompey said with a broad smile.
One of the things that fuelled his interest in the programme was a chance to offer hope to the young men in his community.
“Previously I did a lot of work in St Lucy, working with a football club . . . . I wanted to make a difference especially to the young men, who think that there is no way out. To let them know that there is still a chance. I wanted God to use me as that shining light,” the 30-year-old father of three said.
For Maynard, it was combination of encouragement from family and friends and the inspiration at seeing her friend Jonathan Wall (last year’s ambassador) develop. She, too, has developed into a more confident and out-going individual.
Having travelled the route, both Pompey and Maynard endorsed the programme and said they would be willing to work with the Parish Independence Committee in preparing future ambassadors. They both recognize that they have to continue to perform at a high standard.
“The programme is a good developmental programme,” Pompey stated.
Maynard, 20, is looking to use her experience in the programme to further prepare her career as a school guidance counsellor.
They thanked their families, attendant Paula Norville, project coordinator Janice Springer, the entire parish committee, Pompey’s boss Henderson Brewster, the entire parish of St Lucy and all those who supported them, but they say prayer was the main ingredient.
The two Christian young people prayed about everything and the final outcome of this journey is further proof to them that God is a good God.
Both are looking forward to carrying out the responsibilities as Outstanding Ambassadors with their counterparts from St Peter.
