AFTER weeks of intense competition, Zalika Samuels of Region 10 (Upper Demerara, Upper Berbice), was crowned Miss World Guyana (MWG) 2024 on Sunday during the Grand Festival Of Majesty at the Ramada Princess Hotel, East Bank Demerara.
According to a MWG Press Release, representing her region with grace and purpose, Zalika Samuels embodies the traits of a true Miss World ambassador and is ready to represent Guyana on the global stage at Miss World 2025.

Regional Ambassadors Nareeryah Newland of Region Three (Essequibo Islands West Demerara) and Lieve Blanckaert of Region Four (Demerara Mahaica) were named First Heiress and Second Heiress, respectively, at the conclusion of the national competition.
The release related that from inspiring performances to heartfelt presentations, the extraordinary night blended the beauty of tradition with a deep commitment to community and positive change, embodying the core of Miss World’s Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) mission.

This year five finalists represented their respective regions as Regional Ambassadors, showcasing their unique Beauty with a Purpose projects. They were: Naheeryah Newland – Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Project: Project Bloom, with a focus on empowering young people through entrepreneurship and skills development to combat financial instability and unemployment​; Lieve Blanckaert – Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Project: Holistic Living for a Healthier Guyana- her focus was on promoting mental, physical, and emotional wellness through culturally relevant resources, workshops, and community outreach; Rachel Mohabir – Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)- Project: Give with Love- her focus was on establishing an orphanage to provide food, shelter, education, and emotional support to underprivileged children, primarily in Region Five;​
Diana Lopez represented Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)- Project: Integrating Life Skills with STEM for Physically Challenged Youths, and her focus was on developing a holistic curriculum combining life skills and STEM education for students with disabilities​; and finally, Zalika Samuels – Region Ten

(Upper Demerara-Berbice)- Project: Read to Rise: Empowering Children Through Literacy- with a focus on promoting literacy among underprivileged children through book drives, reading programmes, and mentorship​.
The finalists competed in a series of events during the preliminary stages, including the Head-to-Head Challenge, Interview, Sports & Fitness, and Multimedia competitions, which accounted for 50 percent of their total scores. The remaining 50 percent was determined during the on-stage finale, which included Beauty with a Purpose presentations, Talent, and Top Model segments.

According to the release for the final stage, the top three finalists were selected to deliver their keynote Speech, where they highlighted their attributes and ability to represent Guyana with dignity and strength on the Miss World stage, along with their commitment to their Beauty with a Purpose projects.
In addition to being crowned MWG 2024, Samuels copped the Influencer Award, Talent Award and the Top Model title.

Meanwhile the Sportswoman of the Year Award was won by Rachael Mohabir, and the coveted Beauty with a Purpose Award won by Diana Lopez. The Head to Head Challenge was won by Naheeryah Newland.
This year marked a milestone for MWG as it celebrates a decade of the Beauty with a Purpose initiative. The event paid tribute to loyal sponsors who have supported the programme for the past ten years and honoured Rafieya Husain, Miss World Guyana 2014, whose BWAP project Shatter the Silence earned her a Miss World BWAP Award and a Top Ten placement at Miss World.

Natasha Martindale, National Director of Miss World Guyana, reflected, “This year, under the theme of ‘Majesty,’ we honour the strength, purpose, confidence, and dignity that define every Guyanese woman. We celebrate not just beauty, but the profound impact we have made through the Beauty with a Purpose initiative—a testament to the power of compassion and commitment to making a difference.”

Applications for Miss World Guyana 2025 are now open online at www.missworldguyana.gy/apply. The Festival of Majesty will continue with a special focus on performing arts talent, paying tribute to Lisa Punch’s remarkable performance on the 10th anniversary of her placement on the international stage. Aspiring candidates are invited to embark on this life-changing journey, showcasing their talent, purpose, and dedication to representing the Guyanese woman globally.