GUYANA’S Lateefah Forde is currently in Jamaica preparing for the Miss Global International Beauty Pageant which will be held on Saturday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

A fourth-year medical student at the Lincoln American University, School of Medicine (LAU) who has an interest in Gynaecology and Cardiology, Lateefah will be competing with delegates from countries such as the USA, Pakistan, Haiti, Philippines, Portugal, Nigeria and Serbia.

“Living my dream in Jamaica. I’m so grateful for this amazing experience, meeting the incredible contestants and experiencing the warm and friendly Jamaican hospitality,” she said, according to a Facebook post.

Accompanying her are the pageant’s national director and award-winning make-up artist, Reneé Chester and Quinton Pearson, whose fashion line, House of Pearson, has gained popularity in Guyana and abroad since it was launched several years ago.

After she was crowned on August 11, Lateefah expressed a sincere determination to make Guyana proud.

“I anticipate dealing with the pressure of being in the spotlight as the biggest challenge I will face. However, with my strong support system and confidence, I know I can put my best foot forward, yielding great results and not let any fear or challenge get in the way. God is great, and I am forever thankful.”

For her, the pageant is a unique opportunity to showcase Guyana’s tourism potential.

“…the Miss Global International Pageant is also tourism-focused, which also gives me a chance to be an Ambassador for my beautiful country by showcasing its growing potential as a massive tourism destination,” Lateefah had said in a previous interview.

Melody queen Alaine will provide musical entertainment at the pageant which is slated to start at 20:00 hours sharp.