FIVE of the 10 candidates in this year’s Miss World Guyana pageant have advanced to the next stage of the competition and they will be showcasing their talents through multimedia challenges designed to reflect the expectations of the roles they aspire to fulfill.

In announcing the top five regional representatives, the organisers recently said that ultimately, one standout candidate will earn the opportunity to represent Guyana on the international Miss World stage.

Those advancing to the multimedia stage of the pageant are: Naheeryah Naiomi Newland – Miss World Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Lieve Blanckaert – Miss World Demerara-Mahaica, Rachael Mohabir – Miss World East Berbice-Corentyne, Diana Lopez – Miss World Potaro-Siparuni and Zalika Samuels – Miss World Upper Demerara-Berbice.

The organisers further said that the Miss World Guyana 2024 national competition proudly marks the 10th anniversary of Guyana’s Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) legacy, a milestone celebrated in honour of Rafieya Husain, whose victory in 2014 underscored the importance of service and community impact—a principle deeply woven into the ethos of the Miss World competition.

This year, the Miss World Guyana organisation embraced a hybrid competition format that blends a virtual selection process with limited in-person events, focusing on quality over quantity.

“This innovative approach ensures that each candidate meets stringent eligibility criteria while also undergoing comprehensive training in Miss World protocols, regulations, and standards,” the organisers said adding that with the conclusion of phase one, five abovementioned candidates were chosen to advance to the next stage.

Apart from participating in multimedia challenges, the five chosen candidates will launch their BWAP projects, receive further training across all aspects of the competition, and benefit from ongoing mentorship and public appearances.

The grand finale will be the Beauty with a Purpose Charity Gala which will be held on December 8, 2024, at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Organisers said that this prestigious event will showcase the candidates’ service projects and celebrate their contributions to the community. The evening will also feature the official handover of the crown by Andrea King, the reigning Miss World Guyana, to a new queen.

The gala promises to be a night of celebration, highlighting charity, service, purpose, leadership, and empowerment and reinforcing Miss World Guyana’s mission to inspire and uplift.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Naheeryah Naiomi Newland, Miss World Essequibo Islands-West Demerara is a 21-year-old West Demerara Secondary School alumna and University of Guyana graduate.

At 17, she launched her own skincare business with no prior experience. Through dedication and passion, she became a self-taught product formulator, creating a range of products such as soaps, lotions, and cleansers.

Becoming Miss World would be an unparalleled opportunity for her to represent Guyana and advocate for youth empowerment on an international stage. She wants to showcase that true beauty lies in purpose and impactful action.

Naheeryah’s Beauty with a Purpose project is dedicated to empowering youth aged 15-25 by promoting entrepreneurship. “I understand that not all young people excel in traditional academic environments, but many possess unique talents and visions,” she says in her portfolio which can be viewed on the pageant’s website. The project aims to equip youth with the skills and mindset to become innovative leaders in their communities, breaking cycles of poverty and building brighter futures.

Lieve Blanckaert – Miss World Demerara-Mahaica is 26 years old and lives in Houston, Texas. She is a Guyanese-Belgian raised in Georgetown, Guyana, with a passion for holistic living, pageantry, and community empowerment.

Her pageant journey includes being the 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe Guyana 2023 and Miss India Guyana 2015, as well as mentoring and fundraising for orphans. She is currently an Operations Manager in the mortgage industry and the founder of Habitual Lifestyle.

Her Beauty with a purpose Project is dedicated to promoting holistic health and wellness within Guyana by providing educational resources, workshops, and community outreach focused on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. The goal is to empower individuals with accessible knowledge and practical tools for balanced, resilient living, ultimately building a stronger, healthier, and more unified community.

Rachael Mohabir – Miss World East Berbice-Corentyne is a 24-year-old who currently resides in Schenectady, New York, USA.

She enjoys singing, cooking, and find cleaning therapeutic. She loves Pilates and watching Turkish and K-dramas.

Rachael prefers to spend less time in front of screens and more time engaging in outdoor activities. One of my most significant life experiences was responding to a Code Blue and saving a patient’s life.

On completing her nursing degree, she plans to use her skills to support and uplift vulnerable communities. She would like to develop a non-profit organisation which aims to support children in poverty and provide educational resources.

Her BWAP project focuses on children who are orphans, semi-orphans, living in abusive homes, or on the street. Her goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment for these children—a place they can call home and find a sense of family. She aspires to build an orphanage that offers essential care, shelter, nutritious meals, and quality education.

Diana Lopez – Miss World Potaro-Siparuni is 26 years old and is from Mahdia. She enjoys poetry writing and reading during her leisure time. An occasional solo adventure or picnic acts as meditation for her. She also enjoys cooking and painting, seeing food as an art form.

Representing her region and country as Miss World would be a platform to advocate for inclusivity and holistic development, embodying resilience and pride while addressing critical issues in education.

Her Beauty with a Purpose project aims to bridge the gap between STEM education and life skills training for students with disabilities. By developing a comprehensive educational framework, this initiative will empower students, boost their self-esteem, and prepare them for real-world scenarios and careers. It focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and fostering independence among students, ensuring that they have the tools they need to thrive.

Zalika Samuels – Miss World Upper Demerara-Berbice is a 21-year-old from Linden, Region Ten.

As the reigning Miss Linden Town Week 2023 and Miss Emancipation 2024, she plans to use her platform to inspire and uplift others through meaningful community projects.

Her commitment to service extends beyond titles. “I am passionate about giving back and supporting causes that positively impact those around me,” she says.

Becoming Miss World would mean having the opportunity to amplify her advocacy for youth development and literacy, showcasing that true beauty lies in one’s actions and dedication to bettering society.

Her “Empowering Children Through Literacy” project aims to enhance literacy skills among underprivileged children in Guyana. This initiative focuses on establishing reading programmes, providing access to age-appropriate books, and organising engaging literacy workshops. The goal is to foster a love for reading, build language skills, and improve educational outcomes, thereby boosting children’s confidence and future opportunities. The project will target children aged 5-12 from low-income households in Region 10, with long-term positive impacts extending to the entire community.

Visit www.missworldguyana.gy or the pageant’s Facebook page for more information on the candidates or for updates.