Respectfully turns down Miss Supranational Guyana title
IN the world of pageantry, the term ‘Big Four’ has often been used to represent the four biggest beauty pageants in the world: Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International and Miss Earth. In 2008, however, that all changed, with the addition of Miss Supranational, the newest international pageant that has been making waves since its inception eight years ago. For the second year since the establishment of the pageant, Guyana will hopefully be represented on this international stage, and have chosen Ruqayyah Boyer as the title holder.

However, after much deliberation, Ruqayyah – who has been crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2012, Miss World Guyana 2013 and the Miss International Guyana 2014- has decided to hang up her pageant crowns and pursue her true passion of music.
The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Ruqayyah in an exclusive interview to gain insight on all the factors that influenced her decision, the importance of following her passion, and her hope to find a suitable delegate who will represent Guyana at the Miss Supranational 2017 pageant in Poland come December 2017.

What were the main reasons behind your decision to decline the title?
Denying myself the opportunity to fulfill what I initially considered a dream was gut-wrenching to say the least and not a decision I made lightly. Several factors influenced my decision, and the current pursuit and focus on my musical ambitions was a predominant one. There is also the issue of cost/investment. Additionally, I have come to the realisation that I’ve outgrown my passion for pageantry, and my overarching long-term goals extend to other areas.

Usually, I’m someone who is committed to anything I become involved with to the very end, but from the onset of the request to partake [in the pageant], my heart was halfway in. Initially, I did commence preparation but something within me changed along the road. It came as a result of me doing a lot of soul -searching and weighing in on the advice of others to make the final decision.

I believe I’ve been truly blessed and at this point in time, I remain the only Guyanese to contest at three of the biggest pageants in the world. Though I did not win an international title or placement, I’m grateful for the friendships, connections and memories made. I feel like while it would be icing on the cake to have this one last shot at making history, the universe has a different calling for me at this time and I’m submitting to that energy force that’s guiding my hand.

Do you think that deciding at this moment [so close to the pageant’s date] may have

restricted another eligible contestant from receiving this opportunity?
When I was asked to represent Guyana again in this capacity, initially I was elated and looked forward to it. I was grateful for the opportunity to ‘redeem’ myself and though a bit hesitant, I commenced training and consultations locally and internationally. By mid-July, after internalising the pros and cons I started to realise I wasn’t as passionate about this as I thought I’d be going forward, and my passion for something is one of the key ingredients in my engagements.

I relayed my initial feelings to the team and management but they were heavy set on my participation and really encouraged me to stay the course and in part I didn’t want to disappoint them. But I came to a place of realising eventually that this just isn’t my path or a path I was willing to continue down further, and while the support was there and the idea of redemption was very appealing, my spirit just was not feeling it. By September, I informed them that I was declining but, God bless them, they still tried to encourage me to compete. I’m so grateful that I am surrounded by individuals who believe in me that much, but I had already accepted my fate and it was my decision to make.

Is there enough time to find a suitable replacement for the pageant before it is held?
At that point I reached out to several prospects asking if they would take my place but each person reported that they could not due to expenses. I’m still hopeful for a replacement because there is still time. Some queens are crowned two weeks before departure and the time of selection isn’t as important as the quality or readiness of girl selected, and there may be one or two queen potentials out there yet, who are capable of taking on the task of representing Guyana at that level of pageantry. Ultimately, this decision is up to the team and individuals in charge of the franchise because the selected participant is representing not just themselves but the franchise and the country as well.

Why do you think it is important for people to follow their passion no matter what?
Life is so short and unpredictable. We could be off the planet in the blink of an eye so I take nothing for granted. I think each human being is different and so are their priorities, so I believe people should just do whatever makes them happiest, or at least work toward achieving that space of joy because I truly believe we’d be a greater planet if happiness reigned.

For the most part, I’m a very private person when it comes to my life but I’d share this much as I feel strongly about the subject of passion and chasing your dreams regardless. In 2015 after competing in the 2014 edition of Miss International in Japan I was in a really a bad place mentally and got severely depressed and suicidal. I had to go into therapy because the lows I faced in the world of pageantry had finally taken its toll on me. I remember taking a year off to travel the world and rediscover myself because there was a huge void and hurt from the disappointments and feeling of failure after three attempts at international titles. All the hard work and time that I had invested at that time just seemed to be for nothing. I recall one evening in New York I was having a meltdown because I gave up the security of an eventual legal career to pursue the path I was on. One of my best friends called and we got to discussing my passions, like the reason I even began pageantry, it was never about winning an international crown or title but at some point, I got distracted and it became that, causing me to get lost. After we spoke, she said to me ‘Your passion is practical. Don’t give up, you’ve come this far so don’t give up.’
As simple as that statement was, I held on to it and it helped me through the past three years. Today, I’m more in alignment with what I’ve always wanted to do and one step closer to my ultimate goals because I followed what I was most passionate about, and I enjoy life even more now without any regrets. I’m not where I hope to be as yet but I’m genuinely enjoying the journey and am comforted in the spirit of knowing that the best is still yet to come.

Does this mean that this is it for pageantry for you?
Yes, but the journey continues. My last walk as a runway model in Guyana will happen on November 1, 2017, at the Strut event happening at the Marriott Hotel, and I’m super excited to stretch my legs once more before calling it quits here officially and shifting my focus. I believe while I did not capture any international title, the network I’ve amassed is one I now look forward to building and have introduced to my music. I know that my eligibility for pageants officially ends in 2019 but once I make a decision it’s a done deal and at this point, I believe I prefer to pass on my experiences to another Guyanese gem who is ready and able to take on the world on our country’s behalf. I collaborate with Dr Niketa Barker, a former Miss Guyana Universe on a service called Provotique Image & Beauty Pageant Consultancy. The motto is ‘Developing Confidence’ so, for those seeking guidance before and after entering the world of pageantry, search for us on Facebook or do give us a call, we’ll be more than happy to assist.

Since you are looking to focus on your singing career, what are your immediate plans in that regard?
I’m currently under a development deal, the details of which I can’t lament on presently, however, I’ve tons of material I’ve worked on over the course of the year. I’ve been working tirelessly on bettering my craft first, since my debut last year with Sunshine. I have since released two other singles ‘You don’t own me’ and ‘#1Love’, with another scheduled for a December release. I’m officially launching my artist profile under the stage name ‘Ruqayyah’ in 2018, and commencing work on my debut EP and album respectively. I am excited about some collaborations both locally and internationally as well.
I just want to extend my gratitude to everyone who’s stood by my side from the moment I emerged unto the scene at 18 years of age. Eight years later some have departed, some have remained, but I remain thankful to all regardless, for the lessons learned, for every word of advice, support or assistance given to me along the way by everyone too numerous to mention. I sincerely believe I’m able to do what I love, journey this path and reap the benefits of all things good not just by myself but because of the blessings and love of my family, supportive friends, my hometown Linden and by greater extension my homeland Guyana. Thank you to every being who has contributed to my growth in one way or the other, I do hope someday I’m able to return what you’ve given to me tenfold, “1Love” and no matter what anyone says never give up on your dreams.

Ruqayyah plans to give extended insight on a Facebook live video for all those who have supported her journey.