First runner-up Miss Popeyes, Shivanie Latchman; Queen Roshini Boodhoo; and second runner-up, Miss Guyana Power and Light, Divya Sieudarsan
Roshini Boodhoo was named Miss India Guyana 2011 at the National Cultural Centre just after midnight on Friday, wowing the judges with her beauty and grace.
The first runner-up was crowd favourite Miss Popeye’s, Shivanie Latchman; while Miss Guyana Power and Light, Divya Sieudarsan, was second runner-up. Christine Camacho, who was sponsored by Toolsie Persaud Limited, came in fourth, ahead of Mohini Roopchand, who was sponsored by Rockies Brazilian Bar.
Boodhoo, sponsored by S Boodhoo, was passionate in her answer to the final question: “There is no denial that we are faced with the problem of constant migration. As a patriot, how would you encourage Guyanese to stay and develop Guyana?” She told the well attended event that “we need to stay here and encourage everyone else to stay and develop our country. Many tourists come to Guyana and go back to their respective countries and talk about Guyana’s flora and fauna, and about the beauty of our own Kaieteur Falls. Why can’t we, as Guyanese, stay here and talk about our country?”
Boodhoo will now represent Guyana at the India Worldwide Pageant in Dubai in May.
Shivanie Latchman performing her talent piece. This was adjudged the best talent in the competition
The long-anticipated contest got off to an energetic start after the usual formalities, of course, with all 10 girls appearing onstage in vivid costumes, much to the appreciation of the audience. The “evening gown” segment was followed by the “talent segment”, which was interrupted by a bomb threat after the first three contestants had completed their pieces. The entire National Cultural Centre was cleared and the fire experts and bomb squad were called in. They concluded that the scare was a prank call.
Well over an hour after the episode, patrons were allowed to re- enter the building for the continuation of the programme, which was altered to accommodate the 2009 Ms India Worldwide, Nikkitasha Marwaha, of the United States of America, who performed a well- choreographed, well received routine.
Immediately after her stunning performance, the “talent segment” resumed and saw contestants performing dramatic pieces, dancing, and other art.
The “Indian formal segment” which followed was relatively smooth and uneventful, save for the few breathtaking moments when a particularly exquisite piece of garment was on display, or when a crowd favourite stepped onto the simply decorated stage that had as its central theme green, red, and gold.
Miss Indian Worldwide 2009, Nikkitasha Marwaha, performing for the audience at the National Cultural Centre during the Miss India Guyana Pageant, 2011
For the final question of the evening, the girls were furnished with headphones so that they could hear the responses of the other contestants. Some of the girls did not answer the question as both the judges and audience would have anticipated, but they attempted to do so to the best of their abilities.
Before the queen was named, there were several other special prizes that were awarded. These included The Best Smile, awarded to Stephanie Singh who was sponsored by Palm Court; Miss Photogenic, awarded to Trisha Persaud who was sponsored by A Ramotar Trading; Best Talent prize went to Latchman, and the Miss Congeniality prize was given to Boodhoo.
