With contestants from more than 30 countries expected to attend, Trinidad and Tobago is gearing up to host the Miss India Worldwide and Miss Global International competitions in October, showcasing Trinidad and Tobago to a global audience.
The competitions are expected to bring thousands of visitors to Trinidad and Tobago, providing an opportunity to showcase the country’s culture, creativity and hospitality to a global audience.
T&T franchise holder Neha Karina is calling on the public to support the events and help create a memorable experience.
“It’s a great project. We need support. We need the community of Trinidad and Tobago to make this a memorable aspect for the experience because at the end of the day, it’s going to generate. We expect over 15 to 2,000 people to come to Trinidad, and we want that our culture is able to boost from the international media. Every drop in the bucket counts.”
With the competitions expected to contribute to the country’s tourism sector, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism Dr Colin Neil Gosine noted that the events will give visitors an opportunity to experience the country.
“Hosting an international event of this nature is a wonderful opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago. It allows us to showcase not only our beauty, our culture, but also our warmth, diversity, creativity and the hospitality to visitors from across the globe.”
For the local contestants, the pageants represent more than a competition.
Radha Padarath, a contestant in the Miss India Worldwide pageant, said, “To inspire women to turn their struggles into strength and to create new meaningful change within their communities.”
Miss Global contestant, Cliffvero Robinson, shared, “This journey has given me a new voice, not the voice I once silenced but one I never knew I had. Today I stand more confident in my worth, my purpose and my ability to make an impact.”
Maegan Mohammed, a contestant in Miss Teen India Worldwide, stated, “Pageantry isn’t just about being picture-perfect; it has taught me confidence through combat training, discipline through etiquette classes and determination through gym sessions.”
Contestant in Miss Global, Virginia St Hilaire, added: “This experience has taught me that a crown is not simply something you wear; it represents the woman you become.”
And Trishana Gobin, a contestant in Miss India Worldwide T&T, said, “Being someone deeply rooted to my culture, I realised that culture isn’t just something that we celebrate; it’s something that we preserve, represent and pass forward.”
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, Dr Narindra Roopnarine, encouraged the contestants to use the platform to share their talents.
“I encourage you to embrace this experience with confidence. Celebrate your individuality, share your talents, expand your knowledge and recognise that influence and your influence on others.”
The preliminary round of the competition is set for September, and the international pageant will take place in October at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA).