Twenty five year old Rafieya Aasieya Husain was crowned Miss Universe-Guyana 2017 at the end of the first ever National Pageant to be held in the home of the Miss Universe Pageant.
The former Miss World 2014 top eleven finisher and Queen of the Caribbean also romped of with the Most Elegant, Best Interview and Popularity side awards during the event held at York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York.
Rafieya has been on the top of every pageant aficionados list who are monitoring this year’s aspirants for the 66th Annual Miss Universe Pageant to be held on November 26, 2017.
After her coronation, she thanked her family, friends and fans for their tremendous support. “ I would like to send my love to everyone who has supported me since the start of my journey. A special thank you to Miss Jyoti Hardat, head of the Miss Universe-Guyana Organization. We will make history at Miss Universe together!”. Rafieya received the glittering sapphire studded crown made of white metal and crystals handcrafted by renowned Venezuelan jeweller George Wittels. In a rare moment; reigning Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere of France crowned a national title holder. Also spotted during the event was Miss Universe-Curacao, Nashaira Balentien, who will compete with Rafieya in a few months.
The New Miss Universe-Guyana is described as someone that is determined to affect change and provide the women who are of the system with the skill sets they need to be successful leaders of tomorrow.
List of Winners and Special Awards:
Miss Universe-Guyana 2017- Rafieya Aasieya Husain
1st runner-up- Sharisse Victor
2nd runner-up- Nalicia Ramdyal
3rd runner-up Sarah Basdeo
4th runner-up- Alexandra Lofters
Miss Congeniality- Nalicia Ramdyal
Miss Fitness- Sharisse Victor
Miss Elegance- Rafieya Aasieya Husain
Miss Popularity- Rafieya Aasieya Husain
Best in Interview- Rafieya Aasieya Husain