A flurry of excitement and flash bulbs greeted five of the eight contestants vying for the Miss World Guyana 2014 title when they arrived in the Big Apple last week for a soiree to kick-off the upcoming May 26 pageant in Georgetown. The official sashing of the contestants will take place on May 4 in Gergetown.
They were greeted at the Guyana Consulate by Consul General Brentnold Evans, who complimented them on their achievements, borrowing a quote from the great Chinese philosopher, Confucious who said, “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential are keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”
Patrons were then treated to a “catwalk” by the contestants who eloquently introduced themselves and their “Beauty With a Purpose Platform”.
Miss Region 1 Barima-North West, Cherese James, a medical assistant and aspiring surgeon — who is focused on becoming an advocate for the elderly — a cause that is close to her heart, looked elegant in a floor-length, sequined orange organza gown.
Twenty-one year old Rafieya Husain looked stunning in a gold mini dress; Miss Region 2 – Pomeroon- Supernaam, a Business Major student who hopes to become a CPA when she graduates from Manhattan College, is passionate about helping abused citizens through her domestic violence awareness BeautyWwith a Purpose platform.
Northern Virginia Community College student, Atisha Gaskill is Miss Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaicia). The lovely 19-year old freshman will graduate with a degree in forensic psychology and along the way will inspire her peers.
Denicia Williams will represent Region 5- Mahaica – Berbice. The 19-year old College of Staten Island Physical Therapy student hopes to impress the judges when she steps on stage wearing a red and gold topless mini-dress. Williams says she aspires to become a child psychologist. She will mentor autistic children and motivate them to showcase their talents while pursuing their dreams. Her motto is “Your education is your liberations”.
Tiffany Magnath, a Fordham University double-major, is proud to be on the Dean’s List. Her course of study includes Communication and Media Studies, and Economics. Tiffany modeled a sleeveless mini sequin dress, designed with a V-neckline. As Miss Region 9 (Upper Taut-Essequibo_ she will advocate stamping out hunger in the world.
Other contestants not present were Ayana Whitehead, Miss Region 6 East Berbice Corentyne, Gericia Francis, Miss Region 8, Pataro-Sipanuri and Rebekah London, Miss Region 3, Essequibo Islands West Demerara.
Expressing her gratitude to the contestants, new franchise holder Natasha Martindale said the young women used an online resource to promote and improve themselves by learning proper etiquette and poise and receiving coaching tips to help them become the best ambassadors and role models.
Despite the challenges she faced, Martindale said she is confident that when the ladies step on to the catwalk, they will shine.
“It is important to give them homage and encourage and support them, “ the franchisee said, adding that every day the contestants “do something good to personally improve themselves.”
Martindale also thanked Miss World Guyana committee members Roger Gary, Michelle Cole and Dianne Madray who she treferred to as “professionals who share her values to take the brand to another level.”
