The 2016 Miss Guyana Universe pageant is billed for September 17 in the Grand Ballroom of the Guyana Marriott, Kingston, Georgetown and will see 14 elegant young ladies vying for the coveted title under a new franchise, former Miss Guyana World contestant Jyoti Hardat.
The pageant will kick start with the sashing ceremony on September 4, at Gravity Lounge, Camp and Regent Streets, Georgetown. It will be the first time the delegates will be officially introduced to the public.However, the events during the pageant week will incorporate live entertainment, guest performers, community leaders, and also includes a talent show and a corporate sporting event.
These events are geared to entice the very broad spectrum target market consisting of families, entrepreneurs, and business professionals. This prestigious final event presents an opportunity to boost the visibility of Guyana on an international level.
With Guyana being listed as the country with the highest suicide rate; the Miss Universe Guyana organisation plans to incorporate events which will be educational, outlining issues and bringing more awareness to suicide education and prevention. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on domestic violence.
Moreover, there will be extensive training for the delegates to mentally and physically prepare them to be well-rounded candidates for the prestigious national title of Miss Guyana Universe.
The Miss Guyana Universe organisation assures the public that the pageant will be run with honour, fairness and transparency. The delegates will compete in personal interview with a panel of judges, swimsuit, evening gown and on-stage question for the top five finalists.
Prior to coronation night, there will be the preliminary evening gown and fitness competition to determine the top candidates for the final night of competition. The crowned queen will represent Guyana in Philippines in the New Year.
The 14 delegates competing for the title are Ariella Basdeo, Ashley Cameron, Ashley John, Meleisa Defreitas, Soyini Fraser, Odessa Grogan, Rafieya Husain, Iman Jaisingh, Aysya Kelley, Faydeha King, Xamiera Kippins, Denisha Rigers, Malika Russell and Ayana Whitehead.