The search is on for the next Miss World Trinidad and Tobago.
Organisers say the competition is about far more than beauty, using the platform to build confidence, develop leadership skills and create opportunities for young women across the country.
As hopeful contestants gathered for the official screening at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Sunday, National Director Charu Lochan Dass said the programme builds confidence, nurtures potential and creates opportunities that help shape the country’s future leaders.
“I have time and time again said that this is a developmental programme for our young women across Trinidad and Tobago and I have seen first hand with every cohort, the impact that this platform has had on them and the opportunities that have come to them from being a part of Miss World Trinidad and Tobago.”
For Pageant Coach Richard Young, the search extends well beyond beauty. He said that the young women leave with the passion to inspire others, communicate with purpose and develop talents that will serve them long after the final crown is awarded.
“A lot of our people have become spokespersons, a lot of them have gone into public relations processes, a lot of people have gone into jobs where you need to use your human capacity to transform not only yourself but others because that’s what our real purpose in life is. That’s what your real talent needs to be. It needs to be chiselled, honed, crafted and brought to the best.”
Standing where this year’s candidates now stand, reigning Miss World Trinidad and Tobago Georgia-Lee Gill remembers the butterflies she felt before facing the judges.
“Another thing I remembered was just how nervous I was, you’re going to be in front of a panel of judges that have these accolades and accomplishments and you can get in your head a bit thinking that you might not be enough, but once you pray and you talk to yourself and again remind yourself why you’re here. You just go in with bravery and it was actually a really wonderful experience.”
The screening will conclude with the selection of 20 delegates, who will move on to months of training ahead of the national pageant.