Chivalrous Guyana! Friday the 25TH of August 2006, was the reception Gala for MS Guyana 2006 winner Dessia Braithwaite.The stage was set in an old Georgian period building in the extremely prestigious Bayswater area of London,overlooking Princess Diana's old residence,which was a very apt setting for the evening ahead! I arrived a little early to the bustle of the organiser still preparing the finishing touches to what seemed an official Gala of the highest order.

I was greeted by Carl Brown Abrams, P.R. man for his Excellency the High Commissioner,an extremely welcoming man whom organised the internal production with the strategic precision of a general!

The buffet and bar was well laid out, and was a fusion of guyanese and high tea finger food,accompanied by attentive service.

As the guests arrived into the reception area,the noise and laughter rose,as if a pandora's box of fun and happiness had been opened,reminiscent of those Guyanese partys I went to as a child. Then, the crowd parted as this exotic vision of beauty entered the reception chamber and stood in front of us. It was Ms Guyana winner 2006 Dessia Braithwaite. She was wearing a white gown of glittering diamantes,that classically fitted around her perfect form,and complimented her radiant complexion!

Everyone,including myself this time, was well turned out and had worn their Sunday Best. The audience was greeted by first secretary to his Excellency the High Commissioner, Mr Michael Brotherson. The man has a smile wider than the Essiquibo River, and the warmth of the carribean sun. He introduced His Excellency who spoke with charm, eloquence and humour. His Excellency stated that he was certain Miss Guyana was sure to emulate the success of the West Indies cricket team, in the Miss World arena.

Ken Chung was then introduced. He greeted everyone and thanked them all for coming and supporting the event. This is the guy who makes it all happen and pulls it all together. Without his consistent hard work and meticulous planning, the gala, and all efforts with regard to the Ms Guyana World franchise, would not be as huge a success as it's been year after year. Once again, job well done Ken.

The best was definitely saved 'til last. Ms Braithwaite in all her glory took to the mic.She also thanked everyone for attending,and for their support. She spoke of her hopes and aspirations,as i aspired to position myself closer to her, ahem, purely for journalistic reasons you understand.

After the introductions the honored guests and audience mingled. The atmosphere was friendly and festive,equivical to a mini-carnival. As the evening came to a close it was time for the raffle. For me it represented what Guyanese people are all about. It was the only raffle I had ever seen where the winners relinquished their prizes for the womenfolk to win. The men looked smart,proud,full of posture,and jokes! They displayed a chivalry that was a pure joy to watch,as only the Guyanese could do it, with such natural off the cuff style and pizzaz!!, It was a great night,with lots of beauty and happiness.

.My thanks to His Excellency the High Commissioner and his team, Ken Chung, Dessia Braithwaite,and all of you back home who voted for her. well this is Paul U-Ming your London based correspondent for the Guyanese Community signing off, Long live Guyanese chivalry!

Written by Paul U-Ming