Miss Guyana Universe 2009
THE 15 beauties vying for the Miss Guyana Universe title this year were presented to the public last Saturday evening at the Umana Yana on upper High Street, Kingston.

The pageant, dubbed The Quest as in previous years, is being managed by Ms Nicolette Lumumba, wife of franchise holder, Mr Odinga Lumumba. The delegates gave speeches and were encouraged by Mr Lumumba to mingle and converse with the guests. The sashing of the delegates will take place next Sunday at a venue yet to be announced.

The pageant is back after a one-year break. The last it was held was in 2007, with the crown going to Meleesa Payne. The contestants for this year’s pageant will compete in three segments, namely: The interview; swim suit; and evening gown. For a number of years, the interview segment has been conducted live on television prior to pageant night.

The Guyana leg of the contest is billed for July 4 at the National Cultural Centre.

The winner will represent Guyana at the Miss Universe Pageant which will take place on August 23, 2009 at the Atlantis Resort in Bahamas. Below are pen profiles of some of the contestants:

Name: Althia King
Age: 19
Height: 5′ 5″
Where from: North Cummingsburg, Georgetown
Academics: The Business School
Career goal: Entrepreneur
Designer: Shasha Designs

Name: Asanti Mickle
Age: 21
Height: 5′ 6″
Where from: West Bank Demerara
Academics: 1st yr, University of Guyana
Career goal: Human Resources Management
Designer: Rishma’s Collection

Name: Candace Horatio
Age: 24
Height: 5′ 8″
Where from: Crane, West Coast Demerara
Academics: BSc – Biology, University of Guyana
Career goal: Not stated
Designer: Olympia Small-Sonaram

Name: Cianna Persaud
Age: 23
Height: 5′ 4″
Where from: Bartica
Academics: Not stated
Other: Ms. Bartica Chamber of Commerce & Industry 2002,
1st runner up, Ms Bartica Regatta 2008
Career Goal: A diplomat
Designer: Rishma’s Collection

Name: Divya Sieudarsan
Age: 21
Height: 5′ 4″
Where from: No. 69 Village, Corentyne, Berbice
Academics: Student, University of Guyana,Tain Campus
Career Goal: Accountant
Designer: Rishma’s Collection