MISS Universe Guyana 2013/2014, Katherina Roshana, who is also the reigning Miss India Guyana 2013, said it was a most exhilarating and exciting experience for her to treat the children of the Cheshire Home-Young Voices in the mining town of Linden, Region 10, recently.

She said that on receiving the invitation to contribute to the Christmas Fund of the Chesire Home–Young Voices, she felt a desire to do more than just make a contribution of money or of some article. Katherina said she decided to treat those kids as she is the spokesperson for The Step by Step School, which educates children who suffer from Autism (a neurological disorder), and she has been speaking on the disorder locally and internationally to make people aware of the need to love these children and to give them a sound education.

Katherina cares deeply and strongly for disabled children, who usually need more love and attention than normal children. She said she stands educated and humbled by the Chesire Home-Young Voices children. She says that despite their disabilities, which include sight impairment and even outright blindness; cerebral palsy; voice impairment and other ailments; their being deaf and mute, these beautiful children are bubbling with ambition and are full of zest for life; and many wish to one day serve humanity and be useful members of society.

Katherina said she became extremely emotional — especially when it was time for her to return to her home at Atlantic Gardens — when the children clung to her with pleading eyes supplicating that she should not leave so soon. She promised to return to visit them one day, and told them that this memory of their love, their drive for life, and their beautiful personalities would linger forever in her soul.

Katherina Roshana, Guyana’s celebrated beauty queen, is popularly referred to as ‘Guyana’s Diamond Girl’. She decided to use her personal funds to treat all the Linden kids that are members of the Chesire Home-Young Voices. Her only regret is that she had not been able to meet more of Linden’s people and their leaders.

She would be delighted to return if invited, and she would also like to visit Linden on her own as a visitor. While there, she learned that Linden is ‘a family’, and that Lindeners look out for each other, a philosophy she cherishes, as she is also an International Ambassador of World Peace who firmly believes in the oneness of mankind. She also believes in harmony, peace and love.

The Linden children were fed with a wholesome and delicious meal, complete with drinks and juices, snacks and other condiments. They played games, sang songs, and were jubilant throughout her stay.
But most of all, they were excited to meet in person the Miss Guyana Universe who is sponsored by the New GPC/Limacol, decked in her sash and crown as she told them stories, played, and danced with them. They were excited to take pictures with her, and were amazed at the glitter and glamour of her crown. The beauty queen excited them further by placing the crown on some of the females’ heads, and this evoked squeals of delight and jubilation.

Many songs were sung, but two were specifically dedicated to Guyana’s Miss Universe by Young Teshawn Rodney (17 years old), who had even partaken in the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition. He sang for Katherina the song ‘Christmas Holiday’ and his own favourite song, ‘Gallery,’ which caused her to shed a loving tear. The vote of thanks was given by Shewan, one of the students and a facilitator of the event.

The Miss Universe Guyana/New GPC/Limacol Queen says it was difficult for her to leave when it was time for them to part.
Written By Alex Wayne