–Seems like Guyana’s looking abroad for next Miss Universe ‘rep’

THE Miss Universe Guyana organisers on Wednesday released a poster calling for eligible young ladies to apply to compete in the Miss Universe Guyana 2017 pageant.
But if you’re living in Guyana and want to compete, having a US Visa is going to be one of the things you’ll need to ensure you get first!
And that’s because the pageant is going to be held in New York (No! You did not read that wrong!).
In an unprecedented move, a post on the company’s official Instagram page has announced that the pageant will be held at the York College Performing Arts Centre on August 19.
When questioned as to why New York, the organisers replied that it’s what in today’s world is called “a progression”.
According to the post: “With the support of the Miss Universe Organisation, Miss Universe Guyana comes to New York and we are looking for our next contestants.”
It continues:
“For the first time, the Miss Universe Guyana Pageant will be held in New York, and we are happy to extend this invitation to ALL Guyanese women (whether you are located in Guyana or any other part of the world) who would like a great opportunity to make a difference, and be a role model for the next generation.”

It’s a move that will, of course, heavily limit the amount of young ladies outside of the US who will able to attend, as the post offered no indication as to whether the organisation will be assisting in securing their visas, or paying their airfare.
The franchise’s National Director, Jyoti Hardat, who resides in New York, was unavailable to reply to questions up to late Thursday afternoon.
Naturally, this unpatriotic move did not sit well with several Guyanese who have been involved in pageantry over the years. Many were very outspoken in their outrage, as the post began to make the rounds on social media.
Though not yet posted on the entity’s Facebook (FB) page, the Instagram post was screenshot and also circulated on FB.
Speculation was also aplenty as to why the pageant was not being held in Guyana.
Former queens, delegates (even overseas- based ones), fellow pageant organisers and other supporters all voiced their concern over this move, as nobody seems to see the progression of it.
“It’s a plain disrespect to GUYANA!!!” commented a former delegate.
“This is a complete and utter slap in the face to our Guyanese sisters whose navel strings are planted in the soil of The Land Of Many Waters… Our forefathers did not die for Miss Universe Guyana to be held in any other country except GUYANA.”
They went on to question how the local delegates, who struggle to get sponsorship for basic pageant essentials, will now be able to fund a visa and plane ticket, among other requirements.
Another former delegate asked how could the organisers recreate the Guyanese experience for the delegates in the US.
Last year’s pageant involved the delegates going to a resort, attending a tourism seminar, and meeting the Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes.
“If we are not here, how can we help and make an impact?” the former delegate wanted to know.
This will be the second year that Hardat will be at the head of the organisation after she took over last year. The pageant was held at the Marriott Hotel and left much to be desired, with several shortcomings, including the overbooked VIP section, and other complaints.
Pageant stalwart, Soyini Fraser had walked away with the crown, and is still the reigning queen.