By Vishani Ragobeer

Ederle Kimberly Stephen, a 21-year-old perfectionist has her mind set on virtually bringing the Miss Caricom title home to Guyana on Saturday.

The young woman was actually a candidate for this year’s Miss World Guyana pageant, which was cancelled a few months ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though she missed out on the opportunity, this year, to potentially represent Guyana on the world stage, she was not deterred. Later, another opportunity presented itself when a friend suggested the Miss Caricom pageant to her.

“Me being the person I am fell in love with the idea and opportunity that presented itself. I feel very confident entering into this competition (and) with my team guiding and supporting me, I know that I will represent Guyana well.”

This year, the Miss Caricom pageant is a virtual one. This means that the young women representing their countries across the Caribbean are doing so while they are all at home. The unorthodox pageant-style means that there is no stage where the women stand tall, nor are there the judges and crowds of supporters staring back at them. Ederle, herself, has been enjoying the innovation but noted that she felt slightly overwhelmed juggling her classes and preparing for the event.

The young woman is up for the challenge, nevertheless. “In these distressing times, everyone needs a pick-me-up or something inspiring to hold on to. With mental burn-out on the rise, now more than ever a beacon of hope is needed,” she said.

Moreover, she believes that she can be that beacon of hope. She is an advocate for helping others and hopes to inspire others through her commitment and actions. Although she wants to win for Guyana, she also wants to give her support to those facing challenges across the Caribbean.

This pageant is Ederle’s first international pageant. Aside from her stint with the Miss World Guyana franchise, her only other pageant experience was with her high school.

Randy Madray, a designer who has distinguished himself in the pageantry and fashion industries, feels that she is not someone who should be overlooked. Madray, who is chaperone, coach, and designer, said that based on submissions to the pageant already and her commitment thus far, the young woman has exceeded his expectations.

“She is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the pageant arena and I think this is her first step towards making an impact within the industry for Guyana,” Madray posited. He also made special note of her patriotism and humility, qualities which help her to stand out in the competition.

Indeed Ederle is as humble and patriotic as they come. She shared with the Buzz that she does not believe that she has any special skills which make her unique. Anyone can dance, sing or act, she reasoned.

Her sentiments were not a signal of a lack of confidence in herself or her capabilities though. Her conviction is that just being herself- proud and confident- is her greatest strength.
“The way you stand out is being true to yourself,” she emphasised, adding, “My special skill would be being me, the hardworking determined perfectionist who loves learning new things and spreading joy.”

The Miss Caricom Pageant comes to an end on Saturday morning. Already, Ederle has done her talent piece which was a dance choreographed by Kelton Jennings, drawing attention to the impact of COVID-19 on the creative/ art industries.

As she heads into final leg of the pageant tomorrow morning, she is grateful for the local support she has recieved. She is particularly grateful for her sponsors: Sueria Manufacturing Inc., Shauna’s New Look Salon, Palm Court, and Dahlia l’artista.