Will 2005 be a good year for Guyana?

Jasmine Herzog talks about her confidence, intelligence, beauty, and of course, the jitters!
"A lot of people have the perception that I am a person who has my head up high in the clouds, but I am just a regular down to earth person and I work just as hard as any other delegate for this crown."Jasmine Herzog

From Amanda Wilson in London

Jasmine flanked by designer Derek Moore and Miss Guyana World Franchise Holder, Ken Chung.

Jasmine Herzog sure thinks she has what it takes to be one of the five beauties left standing tall on the final night of the Miss World competition.

"I know Guyana has a track record of not placing in the pageant few years running, but I think I have the look, the brain and skills. And I think I have the true qualities of a queen" she boldly said.

"Nobody body enters the Miss World pageant to get third" the University of Guyana student laughed.

She was well received at the Guyana High Commission at Bayswater Road, and was the belle of the ball at the Kensington Holiday Inn dinner. Everyone wanted a photo with the camera-friendly slender beauty.

But is self-confidence enough?

Miss Guyana World 2005 with well-wishers in London

This year, the Miss World Organisation has grouped the delegates by continent – Asia Pacific, North Europe, Southern Europe, Americas, Africa and the Caribbean. Jasmine is in the Americas Group and will be competing with all time favourites Venezuela and USA.

"I am definitely looking forward to the pageant. Competition is definitely stiff, but I think that's what makes it all the more interesting."

It can't all be rosy for the queen. There must have been a few difficult times since winning the crown. And so I asked about the doubters' harsh comments.

Jasmine immediately set the record straight about a number of articles appearing on the internet questioning her ability to represent Guyana well.

"I have been handling it very well. At first it was a little bit overwhelming, but I came to grips with it and I am not going to let the few negatives get to me. There are more positives than negatives. I've been dealing with it very well by focusing on the positives."

So are you really a snub?
"A lot of people have the perception that I am a person who has my head up high in the clouds, but I am just a regular down to earth person and I work just as hard as any other delegate for this crown" she calmly shared.

While in London, the Guyanese queen did get some great news - the Swiss media have interviewed her grandparent for www.blick.ch.

"The media tracked down my family in Switzerland and it has been in the local media. I am getting support from Guyana and Switzerland" she proudly shared.

The teenager who professed to being a tomboy before winning the title, was anxious to chat about her new extensive chic Miss Guyana World wardrobe.

"I am looking forward to showing off my wardrobe. It's different from anything else I have. The colours and styles are just gorgeous. My designers are Michelle Cole and Derek Moore" she chatted.

Now, be honest I queried, are you nervous?
"Regular jitters that any person who is entering a pageant of this calibre will have" she shared.

But Jasmine has gotten some insight on what to expect from chatting with three former Miss World queens.

"I spoke with Olive Gopaul, Suzette Shim and Odessa Phillips and they all said to stay focus and told me a bit of what the competition holds, what the girls are like and what is expected of me" she said.

Reflecting on her first trip to jolly ole England, Jasmine chuckled.

"It has been absolutely wonderful. I've been busy seeing England. It's a beautiful place. I was well received by the Guyanese community here."

Moore made the journey to London with the teenager. I caught him while he was putting the finishing touches to Jasmines 30-piece wardrobe designed around the theme "Caribbean Colours"

He designed most of the queen's evening wear. As we chatted, Jasmine was having her final fitting for the gown she will wear before millions at the December 10 final from Sanya, China.

"The main gown is green and gold pure lace, accessories with hand-sewn beads and stones. The bodice has bone lining to accentuate her waist line and there are ruffles of gold and green lace and trimmings. It is very couture-like," he said.

The Guyanese designer added: "When we talk about Guyana, we talk about the luscious green forest and of course El Dorado. I just incorporated the two into my design. Jasmine is very regal so she really carries the couture design off well."

Moore spent his time in London getting the queen prepared for her month in China, from make-up tips and what to wear when to skin care.

He too believes Jasmine;s chances of placing are high.

"She looks very European coming from a Swiss background and with that kind of look she will definitely tuned heads. She looks unique in the Americas group. There’s no way Miss Guyana will not be recognised this year,” he predicted.

While in China, she will also enter the modelling fast track competition, he disclosed.

With a bright smile and of course clad in an original design, Jasmine alone boarded her flight for China on Thursday.

The question still remains, is 2005 a good year for Miss Guyana World?

We all have to wait and see.
We all have to wait and see. Caption for picture under filename `Jasmine’: Jasmine with a well-wisher at one of functions held in her honour in London.