Psychologist crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2011

Twenty-three-year-old model and psychologist Kara Lord, from North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, beat a field of nine beauties to grab the Miss Guyana Universe title in a six-hour ceremony at the Princess International Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara early Sunday morning, July 10.

The first runner-up spot went to reigning Miss Essequibo, 20- year-old Seromanie Choomanlall; while the second runner- up position was awarded to Judith Sullivan, 21, of Burma, Mahaicony, Region Five. Twenty- two-year-old Ayana Harris was adjudged the third runner-up; and crowning off the placement in the top six was Roshini Boodhoo, 24, of Hague, West Coast Demerara. Madonna Ghanie was placed in the last six.

A smiling Ghanie had earlier copped the special prizes for the “best gown”, “best smile” and the title of Miss Body Beautiful. Twenty-three-year-old Anesha Benjamin was given the Miss Congeniality title. The pageant, which started late, saw nine young ladies competing in the swimsuit and evening gown categories before six of the delegates were selected to be a part of the intelligence segment. The girls also had an opportunity to introduce themselves to the crowd at the packed Princess Hotel Poolside.

Asked if she were to become the president of Guyana, what one thing she would change, Lord said: “I believe that Guyana is a beautiful country and we have a lot of assets we can build and work for us, but one thing I am not fully satisfied about is our unity. I believe we need to work together, and as president of Guyana, I would strive towards harmony in every area of Guyana, not just racialism but every area, so that us working together can really portray our motto: One People; One Nation, One Destiny.” In the earlier rounds of the pageant, Lord said it was the second pageant she was involved in. She said she loves to spend time with her family, eating, dancing, watching cartoons, exercising, and travelling. The former St. Joseph’s High School student has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of the West Indies. She described herself as honest, reserved/shy and fun to be around. Her platform was “cervical cancer”. With her title, Lord now has the right to represent Guyana in San Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011, competing for the Miss Universe Crown, where she will

come up against 83 other beauties from around the world.

The final six

The decisive moment was to choose the five girls who would move on to the final question segment.

The judges took almost forever to tabulate the scores; and when it was finally done, the audience was told that, instead of five finalists, there were six. The scores from the Intelligence segment, which was aired live on the National Communications Network on Wednesday evening, July 6th last, were added to the scores from the swimsuit and evening gown segments, which resulted in the selection of the finalist six.

Going into the final question, all the scores were erased and the winner of the pageant was selected on the basis of her answer to the final question.

“If you were to become the president of Guyana, what one thing would you change?” This was the segment that was challenging for most of the girls, whose intellectual capabilities were tested. The first runner-up, Seeromanie Choomanlall, in response to the question, related that she would focus her attention on the lack of job opportunities, especially among youth, and devise a strategy that would make them gainfully employed.

The second runner- up, Judith Sullivan, told the judges that she would use the Internet to promote tourism in Guyana. She was, however, carried away with the question and expanded her answer about monuments, landmarks, historic buildings and flora and fauna, among others things which can be placed on the Internet, all in an effort to put Guyana on the world map.

In answering the question posed by the hostess, who practically screamed while making her announcement, the third runner- up, Ayana Harris, disclosed that she would concentrate on the education system, since that sector is vital in any country’s development.

Roshni Boodhoo, the fourth runner- up, related that she would focus on her platform, on breast cancer, so that people can be more aware of the diagnosis and take preventative measures at an early stage. Modanna Ghanie, on the other hand, strayed from the question and told the audience that she would not change anything, because the present president is doing a perfect job.

The panel of judges comprised Dr Paloma Mohamed, Joel Ghansham; Richard Young; Basil Joseph; Sandford Solomon; Sita Shaw-Roth, Sharmain Joseph; Steve Ninvalle, and Hessaun Yassin- Nandadall. They took more than thirty minutes to again tabulate the scores. The judges’ decision, as normal, is final; but as the results were released, sections of the crowd were not pleased. Before the new queen could have taken her first walk as Miss Guyana/ Universe 2011, the audience had disappeared. During intervals, as the girls changed and reconstructed their looks, the audience was entertained by Jamaican reggae singer Christopher Martin, who rocked the crowd; but the performance of members of the Karma Band was described as “disappointing”. The audience was very disappointed with the performance of Neesa B and Renaldo, a new member of the band. They were even more disappointed that superstar Gregory did not perform. Nevertheless, the audience did approve Ravi B’s performance, which was electrifying. After performing his last song at the pageant, the Karma superstar took a plunge into the pool, since he claimed that he was feeling hot. The audience used that opportunity to take photos of him swimming.