BY BHISHAM MOHAMED
Reigning Miss India/ Guyana Katherina Roshana was crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2013 before a packed-to- capacity Pegasus poolside just before midnight on Sunday. The 23-year-old sponsored by the NEW GPC INC under its Limacol brand will be representing Guyana at the Miss Universe Pageant slated for November 9 in Moscow, Russia.
Roshana, who is a graduate of New York University and hopes to become a doctor in oriental medicine, will be competing with 89 other delegates for the coveted title with some optimism of bringing home Guyana’s first Miss Universe crown.
Best Smile
She captivated the judges with her smile, and was awarded the Best Smile Prize. Coming in as first runner-up was 23-year-old Alicia Best, sponsored by AU Drilling Inc, while the second runner-up spot was awarded to Miss Rainbow Fashion, Ayana Whitehead.
Rounding off the top four was Miss Nabi Construction, Carlea Chappell. Chappell was also bestowed with the award of Miss Body Beautiful and Whitehead, Miss Congeniality.
The other contestants were Kenwah Cho Quan Yi sponsored by the Muzik Club of Canada; Tiffanie Nieuenkirk, sponsored by Canadian Jason Schwars; Shyon Hoppie, sponsored by Shalinsky & Company and Carla Browne, sponsored by Red Earth Crystal Clear Waters.
The pageant got under way just after 20: 00h with a spectacular dance by members of the Classique Dance Group titled “Rock You” by Beyonce.
This was followed by the introduction segment where each of the eight delegates had to make their first impression.
During this segment, the delegates appeared in evening gowns that left the audience mesmerised.
Chappell wore a stunning navy blue knee-high shimmering evening gown while Cho Quan Yi wore a lime green gown.
Nieuenkirk enticed the audience with her long silver gown and Hoppie did not disappoint as she looked stunning in a black body fitted outfit.
Radiant
Looking radiant with a white and silver gown was Whitehead, who created a whirlwind as she stepped on stage to introduce herself.
Next was Browne, who sported a fawn coloured outfit followed by Roshana, who wore a black gown. Bess also looked beautiful in a semi-coloured piece.
They were all fluent in introducing themselves. While the delegates changed for the Swimsuit Segment, the patrons were entertained by a fashion display mounted by Sonia Noel.
All eyes were then focused on the area where the delegates would make their grand entrance as the Swimsuit Segment was expected to be glamorous and full of steam and energy.
The eight delegates all appeared on stage in a two-piece red and yellow swimsuit, complemented with red chiffon wraps.
While on stage they individually remove the wraps, creating some excitement.
In some instances, the audience erupted in laughter as the delegates parade on stage.
Bess undoubtedly was the best in the segment, displaying a high degree of confidence and elegance.
Immediately after this segment, Jamaican artiste Alaine entertained the audience for close to an hour as the ladies got ready for the evening gown segment.
Charm
This segment was the highlight of the evening as the delegates showed off their charm, style, eloquence and tastes to the judges and audience.
Sweeping the judges and audience off their feet was Miss NABI Construction Ayana Whitehead, who sported a shimmering brown and gold outfit.
Another top contender in the Evening Gown Segment was Miss Shalinsky & Company Shyon Hoppie, who wore a silver and black gown.
Entertained
After this segment, the contestants were entertained by Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, who even had British Ambassador Andrew Ayre getting on stage.
Primo then returned after a 45-minute intermission to serenade the eight contestants and soon after, the final four delegates were announced.
The finalists were asked questions based on their platform. Katherina Roshana’s platform was children living with autism. The scores from all aspects of the pageant were tabulated and the final results were determined.
Just before the final results were announced, reigning Miss Guyana Universe 2012 Ruqayyah Boyer took her final walk, thanking the many people who have made her year as queen memorable.
The pageant was judged by a panel including Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford, Parliamentary Secretary Steve Ninvalle and international fashion icon Sonia Noel.
