…a few factors that contributed to Cynthia Dookie winning the coveted Miss Global International 2017 crown
Sunday Times Magazine recently interviewed Guyanese fitness trainer, advocate, and the newly crowned Miss Global International 2017, Cynthia Dookie. Below is her interview on overcoming doubts, winning the Miss Global International 2017 pageant and what she hopes to accomplish via the crown.
Sunday Times Magazine: What was instrumental in you winning the Miss Global International 2017 title?
Cynthia Dookie: The competition for this pageant was very tough, each delegate brought their ‘A game’. Several factors were instrumental in winning this title: support I received from my team; strength from God; and determination in my heart. I went there [Jamaica where the pageant was held] with one mission – to defend my country to the best of my ability. I am proud to have accomplished this for myself and for Guyana.
Sunday Times Magazine: Prior to the pageant, what was your determination?
Cynthia Dookie: I am a sound believer in, ‘I can do anything I set my mind and heart to’. No matter the challenge or the obstacles in my way, I can overcome it all through prayer and confidence. With everything I do in my life, I set out to make my parents proud. I also say to myself, ‘My dad is up in heaven looking down on me and I want to make him proud of the person I am today’.
Sunday Times Magazine: Who/what contributed to you winning the pageant?
Cynthia Dookie: From the beginning, I have always had the best team anyone can ask for: my national directors [Miss Global International Guyana franchise holders], Mr Hashim Alli and his beautiful wife, Mrs Melicia Partab-Alli, along with Ms Gina Macedo, who is like my sister. This is my ‘dream team’. They have been my support system every step of the way; I could not have done this without them. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and my supporters and sponsors.
Sunday Times Magazine: Did you ever doubt winning the pageant?
Cynthia Dookie: In the beginning, I had my doubts. However, I always believe I could do it. I prayed for strength and guidance, and I stepped out and did my best every day leading up to the pageant. I believe if I gave it my all, I would come out victorious. I thank God that I did. In the end, hard work and dedication always pay off.
Being in Jamaica, and having a Jamaican contestant in the pageant, I thought the other delegates and I would have had just a few supporters. However, to my surprise, I had quite a lot of non-Guyanese supporters, who came out in their numbers, picked a delegate and show their support by screaming and applauding from beginning to end. I’m absolutely honoured to say I was one of the delegates they were supporting.
Apart from winning the crown, I was awarded Miss Most Aware and a special award for Best Evening Gown [designed by Guyanese fashion designer, Randy Madray].
Sunday Times Magazine: What do you hope to accomplish via your new title?
Cynthia Dookie: Being the Miss Global International 2017 title holder, I have the ability to lend my voice to various charitable causes and social issues, which is what I intend to do. I don’t want to stand on just one platform. Most importantly, I want to lend a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.
One of my main responsibilities as the Miss Global International 2017 title holder is to uphold the motto of the Miss Global International franchise – ‘Uniting the World through Beauty and Tourism’.
I intend to work diligently to promote peace, love and harmony among our neighbouring countries. I will do my best to motivate young women to be confident in themselves. I will promote the tourism factors in my country and around the world, educating people on how beautiful the world is and measures we can take to help care and protect the world and beautiful people in it.
I have a special project near and dear to my heart, which I’m currently planning to launch soon.
Visit Miss Global International Guyana on Facebook for more information.
