The 14 delegates vying for the coveted title of Miss Guyana Universe 2016 were on Sunday sashed by their respective sponsors during a sensational ceremony at Gravity Lounge.
The grand finale will be held at the Marriott Hotel on September 17, 2016. A rumour circulating on social media has it that a prince and celebrity will be attending the grand finale.
Miss Guyana Universe 2016 delegates
The 14 beauties were first unveiled to the public earlier last month and they have since been promoting themselves on social media.
At the sashing ceremony, franchise holder Jyoti Hardaat announced that one can expect an extravagant event with multiple items on the programme, in addition to the pageant.
She explained that a preliminary competition will be held at a yet to be decided venue which will incorporate a swim wear segment by renowned “Kandice Pelletier” a usual sponsor of Miss United States of America (USA).
Hardaat said that she was proud of all of the delegates and expressed confidence that they will all bring their ‘A’ game throughout the competition.
The contestants are Soyini Fraser, Rafieya Hussain, Ariella Basdeo, Malika Russell, Ashley John, Keleisha Kelly, Xameria Kippins, Meleisa Defreitas, Iman Jaisingh, Odessa Grogan, Ayana Whitehead, Denisha Rogers, Ashley Cameron and Aysya Kelly.
Fraser, who has several national titles under her belt , including an international one, told this publication that the Miss Universe is the most elite pageant that exists, which provides a wider spectrum for her many advocacies.
Hussain who has been successful in many pageants, most recently the Miss World where she copped a place in the top ten, explained that it was largely due to the fact that she won a Beauty with a Purpose award for her focus on domestic violence.
She explained that she sees the Miss Universe pageant as another way to advocate for women.
Russell caught the attention of the audience with her drive towards women’s empowerment in the agricultural sector while noting she is aspiring to become an Agriculture Minister.
The delegates have been involved in intense training for several months. The fashion guru Dereck Moore was present at the ceremony and cheered all the beauties.
The delegates after their sashing took time to mingle with special invitees. The amazing delegates are all optimistic about winning the coveted title, claiming that they have been training hard to get the perfect posture for the big night.
