• MGIG Franchise holder says preparations underway for Jamaica Pageant this September, as  Duncan gears up to represent Guyana on the international stage

FOR Keri Duncan, pageantry began as a personal challenge, a way to overcome insecurity and prove to herself that being “slim and petite” was never a limitation. Today, that journey has carried the 27-year-old Georgetown native to the title of Miss Global International Guyana 2026, placing her on the road to Jamaica this September, where she will represent Guyana at the international competition.

In an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, she discussed balancing life as a physiotherapy student at the University of Guyana, a full-time clerk with the Guyana Police Force, and now the demands of pageantry. Duncan says that the experience of becoming Miss Global International Guyana has already tested her discipline, resilience and commitment. Still, she believes those very challenges are shaping what she hopes to bring to the international stage: determination, authenticity and a strong sense of Guyanese pride.

Selected as Miss Global International Guyana 2026, Duncan, is a self-described extrovert with a passion for dancing and animals. The 27-year-old began her journey into the world of pageantry by first competing in Miss Guyana Culture Queen. At the time, she knew very little about pageantry and competed to challenge herself.

As she told Pepperpot Magazine, she competed to combat her insecurities and soon found that she loved pageantry.

“I never particularly knew anything about pageantry at first. I saw it as a challenge for myself: how far I would get in overcoming insecurity. At the time, I was insecure about being slim. Being petite carries a stigma in certain groups, so I thought, ‘Okay, this is a perfect opportunity to show what I can do and to challenge the thoughts I had about myself.’ So I signed up.”

That first step would develop into something that Duncan truly enjoyed. While she walked away from the competition as third runner-up, Duncan knew that she wanted to grace the stage again.

As she shared, “I realised this is something I truly enjoy, despite everything in life coming with challenges. It was not an easy path at first. I placed third runner-up in that pageant, and since then, I said, ‘I need to go for the crown.’ I didn’t accept third runner-up as my final place, so I applied to other pageants. That’s where my pageantry journey started.”

That journey would lead her to compete in Miss Global International Guyana 2024, where she placed first runner-up to Arian Richmond who went on to become Miss Global International that same year. Now, the 2026 titleholder for Guyana, a thankful and excited Duncan noted that these are some big shoes to fill.

“I am still fairly new to pageantry, but I am sure I can see success,” she said.

Duncan has already begun the work to see that success, but for her, the major challenge has been striking a balance.

As she told the Pepperpot Magazine, finding time for work, school and pageantry has not been easy.

“In becoming Miss Global International Guyana, I faced challenges in balancing school, work and preparing for this title. It was not easy. I am a physio major student at the University of Guyana, and my course is full-time. On top of that, I have a full-time job at the Guyana Police Force. So, I found it very difficult to make the necessary sacrifices,” she said.

Describing just how hectic her days can be, Duncan shared that she had postponed university assignments to continue preparing for the pageant.

While maintaining balance has been difficult, Duncan says she has learned a great deal from the resilient women around her. Citing her mother and Renee Chester, the franchise holder for Miss Global International Guyana, as major inspirations, she shared that they have shown her it is possible to achieve balance and success.

“I have been surrounded by resilient women. My mother, with whom I hold a close bond, has told me over the years: even when you’re not well, and even when you accept that you’re not well, if you still have things to get done, try your best to do them.”

She added, “Also, Renee recently became a mother and now has to balance work, the franchise, motherhood and her family life. I’m being taught, using these two women as examples, because I hold them dear and close, that despite having many areas of your life pulling at you, you can still push forward. It’s not impossible.”

Heading into the international leg of the competition, slated for September 14 to 20, 2026, Duncan says she expects a journey that will require hard work, dedication, and long hours. However, she does expect the full support of her team towards Coronation Night in Jamaica.

Looking ahead, she shared, “I know we are going to have to put in many hours making sure I’m well-prepared for interviews and whatever questions they might have. I also know that despite our best efforts, sometimes things don’t always go as planned.”

While she does have some fears heading into the competition, Duncan says she remains inspired by the women around her and by her own resilience, and that this is the message she would like to share with other women.

“Despite the fact that we don’t give ourselves enough credit for what we accomplish, whether small or large, women are resilient. I’m going to use this title to remind women, and particularly our young girls coming up, that yes, you may face challenges in life, but you will overcome each one.”

For entrepreneur and franchise holder Renee Chester, the work of getting Duncan ready for Jamaica is just beginning.

Speaking to the Pepperpot Magazine, Chester shared that while the groundwork is being laid, including interviews and securing sponsorship, the more intensive preparations, such as coaching, are still ahead. Chester added that while there will be challenges, she is confident in Duncan’s ability to bring Guyana another crown.

The Miss Global International pageant is scheduled to take place from September 14 to 20, 2026, returning to the Grand Palladium Resort in Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica, a milestone Chester says she is very much looking forward to and one she intends to see Duncan walk into fully prepared.