Tristana Roberts to represent Guyana at Miss Plus Size Universe

THEATRE Arts teacher, Tristana Roberts, is anxiously awaiting the moment when she walks on stage with some of the world’s most vivacious and beautiful full-figured women, to vie for the Miss Plus Size Universe title.

The pageant, which has been promoting plus-size women and healthy living for about 10 years, will be held on October 31 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Despite the hiccups which led to the pageant date being pushed back twice, Guyana’s representative is confident that she will do well and can even return home wearing the crown.

In a recent interview with the Buzz, the 35-year-old who is also a model, revealed that while she is familiar with the stage and is no stranger to the public’s eye, pageantry is new to her. Her experience on stage has given her a boost in confidence and she is certain that she has the ability to shine.

Roberts said that her ascension to pageantry was quite an unorthodox journey.

“Guyana didn’t have a pageant. We were invited to be a part of the pageant. It was initially a friend of mine who called me up and told me they were going to send a couple of your modelling photos up for this plus-size thing. I wasn’t told it was actually to see if I would be chosen to represent the country at a pageant,” she told the BUZZ with a smile as she reflected on how her journey began.

Roberts disclosed that she found out about her selection via Facebook.

“I was at a tea party with my sister [and] my phone was going off with notifications and I opened it and I literally dropped the phone on the table because it was a complete surprise,” she added.

Despite her modelling background, Roberts admitted that the transition has been a challenge. Nevertheless, she is using the experience as a learning opportunity.

“I’ve been learning along the way. It’s a hustle and bustle because I joined the pageant very late. The pageant was supposed to be held in June but it was postponed and then it was supposed to be in August but it [was] postponed again,” she told the Buzz.

“It’s been a lot of running around trying to get sponsors, doing training, getting measurements, [and doing] a lot of interviews,” she added.

ADVOCACY
Roberts was quick to point out that while the pageant has created a platform to advocate for plus-size persons, for some time now she had been pushing for persons on the “larger” side to love themselves more and to live an active life.

“I am a strong believer that plus-size persons should ensure that they keep themselves active because a lot of people have this belief that ‘oh, I’m fat so I can’t do this and I can’t do that’…,” she said.

Aside from the modelling and teaching, Roberts is a Zumba instructor who has weekly workout sessions for anyone interested, particularly the plus-size women who she would encourage to be active, healthy and confident.

“You can be a plus-size person but that doesn’t mean you have to be out of shape. You can be plus-size and still be healthy. You can be plus-size and still be able to run and play with children,” she said.

As she puts in her final preparations for the pageant, Roberts is still in need of sponsorship.

Nevertheless, she is optimistic that, with her background in modelling, theatre and the support garnered thus far, she will make Guyana proud.

According to the pageant’s website, the Miss Plus Size Universe pageant was founded by Pearl Williams, a Trinidadian born to Vincentian parents. Williams is based in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where she also has citizenship.

She is the head of Beautex International Group, brand owner of Miss Plus Universe, publisher of Status Magazine, hosts the Good Morning SVG programme, and is World Secretary General of the World United Humanity Organisation.

Further, the website states that the pageant aims to build self-confidence, mentor, promote women empowerment and healthy lifestyle worldwide.

“Every year we offer the opportunity to plus-size women to showcase their talents and beauty representing their respective countries,” it adds.

The pageant has afforded the organisation an international audience and reputation with outstanding support from Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves.