Guyanese crowned Miss UN 2012

By Bhisham Mohamed in Miami

Twenty-two-old Soyini Fraser, a final-year theology student at the Life Christian University, was in the wee hours of Sunday crowned Miss United Nations 2012, outshining 17 other finalists at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Lounge, Miami, Florida.
After three days of intense preliminary competitions, a confident Fraser walked the catwalk with grace, poise, and charm – captivating the judges’ hearts.
A stunned Fraser could not have contained her reaction when she was bestowed with the title and burst into tears. As she took her first walk as Miss UN 2012, the audience cheered with appreciation.
She was later applauded by the panel of judges who have a vast knowledge of pageantry, designing, and chorography.
“I am shocked and elated at this time… I cannot say how appreciative I am to the people who have made me their representative to this pageant and more so, the generous people who have contributed to making my dreams a reality,” the newly-crowned queen said.
Among the prizes she has won are cash prizes, trips to Jamaica and Africa, and beauty hampers.
The journey to the crown was not a walk on the beach, as there was rather intense competition during the pageant. Fraser last Thursday evening worked the stage with her well-executed talent piece, in which her experience as a dancer attached to the Classique Dance Company was evident.
On Friday, there were the hectic photo shoots which saw all the delegates showcasing their national costumes, evening gowns, sportswear and high fashion outfits. Later on Friday, the contestants were grilled in a “cold room” for the interview segment which replaced the intelligence segment that was supposed to be done on the night of the pageant. Fraser again was one of the judges’ favourites.
For the sportswear segment, she was clad in yellow short pants and a black jersey with her hair firmly intact, definitely sending a message to the judges. Her national costume depicted Guyana’s rich flora and fauna and its diverse population. Her high fashion outfit was an all-black body-hugging dress with a matching hat. The outfit was designed by Guyanese designer Mwanza Glen.
Her evening gown was a yellow, shimmery closely fitted sheath, which was designed by another Guyanese designer, Roger Gary.

Caribbean triumph

The first runner-up was Miss Trinidad and Tobago Shelissa Gomes and in the second runner-up spot was Miss Dominican Republic.
Miss Guadeloupe Elody Pradel was sashed Miss Congeniality;  Miss Australia Melissa Utvich was adjudged Miss Photogenic, while Miss Romania Delia Duca was given the title of Miss Supermodel.
In the Miss Teen category, Miss United States Marie Alvarez was crowned queen. Miss El Salvado Martha Aguirre copped the second place, and Miss Peru Christina Silva Santisteban was awarded the third spot.
In the Mrs UN category, the crown was awarded to Mrs Cuba Tania Gonzalez-Teran, with Mrs United States Erin J Morgart was first runner-up and Mrs Venezuela Ivonne Lopez secured the third runner-up position.
For the Ms UN, the only country that contested this category was the United States, with Monica R Tapia-Mularski. This is a new category which gives young women who are divorced the opportunity to express their confidence and self-esteem on the catwalk.
In the Mr United Nations category, Rudi Strydom of South Africa outshone his rivals to cop the title, while Mr Venezuela Junior Antonio Rosales Rivas came in second and Mr Mexico copped the third spot.
Mr Bahamas Marcos Ambrister walked away with the title of Mr Teen United Nations followed by Erick Trujillo, and Gustavo Rivas of Mexico respectively.