Suzette Shim happy with exposure at international pageants

Back in London to complete documentary
From Amanda Wilson in London

MISS Guyana World 2004 Suzette Shim is back in London relaxing and finishing up her six-part documentary with cable channel Original Black Entertainment Television (OBETV). But she's anxiously counting down the days to her December 19 flight to Guyana.

She misses her family and friends and even her work at the High Court in Georgetown. Suzette is also very serious about continuing her studies at Guyana University and wants to up her involvement in raising the awareness of domestic violence, especially among the younger women.

"I really miss home, especially the food and my family and work. I'm going back to (Guyana) to use my profile as Miss Guyana World in the fight against domestic violence," Suzette told the Sunday Chronicle yesterday.
Her month in an ancestral home China was exciting but exhausting. She was the first Miss Guyana World to compete in two international pageants - 16th Miss Model of the World and 54th Miss World - in less than one month. That meant twice as many photo shoots, interviews and tours as the previous queens.

However, Suzette loved it all.
"It was really great. I did my best at both pageants," she said. She was on her way to yet another photo shoot in her fabulous Derek Moore collection. The five foot, nine inches beauty travelled back to London December 5, and spent a few days resting and catching up with friends and family at home.

"It was great visiting my grandfather's homeland. I kept saying to the other girls, `I can't believe my grandfather was from there.' When I spoke to a reporter, he was surprised I came from Guyana. He explained to me it would take time to track down the place my grandfather was from. I would have loved to do that. Maybe in the future…"

Both pageants were held in China, Miss Model of the World in Canton Regent and Miss World in Sanya. Only an hour by plane separates the two venues.

What Suzette did manage to do is make friends with more than 100 girls, including her roommate and first runner-up of the Miss World pageant Miss Dominican Republic Claudia Rodriguez

"We got along great. We were the only ones who got along so well. Some of the other girls had little problems but I was lucky to have Miss Dominican Republic as my roommate."

In her few spare hours "she (Miss Dominican Republic) even tried to teach me Spanish," Suzette laughed. "I'm still learning.'

The vibrant teenager wasn't at all surprised Claudia placed second overall. "Everyone just liked her so we weren't surprised. She was excited she got to the final three, but was disappointed she didn't win."

Like everything there are the highs and lows. Suzette's high points were meeting and interacting with new friends and touring beautiful attractions including the Butterfly Valley in Sanya.

Suzette confessed she got frustrate many times because of changes to the programme. "There were times (at the Miss World pageant) when we were told to dress this way because we were going to an event, then a few minutes later, they would tell you plans changed and you had to change your clothes. That was a bit frustrating."

But there were more good times. Her Derek Moore wardrobe was a hit at both pageants. "Everybody loved my pieces. They loved the colours and the styles.'

So did you give any outfits away? Suzette laughed. "No! No! At the Miss World Pageant we exchanged other tokens. I gave away little Guyana flag pins while some of the other girls got hats and key rings."

She received an amber pendant from Miss Dominican Republic. But her most unusual gift came from Miss Scotland Lois Anna Weatherup. "She gave me a funny hat. It's a really, really Scottish funny hat."

Comparing the two pageants, Suzette explained that "Model of the World had more photo shoots and fashion shows while Miss World had loads of formal dinners. I enjoyed both pageants."

Unfortunately, Suzette could not stay for the Model of the World finals which were on held November 14 because of conflicting dates. Miss Thailand Kemanija Jamikorn won the crown.

"I would have loved to stay for the finals because everyone was really good to me. I am happy with the exposure both pageants gave me. I was probably the only girl who attended both pageants," she shared.

However, on December 4, she was present for the finals and last event of the Miss World pageant.

The young beauty queen even had the opportunity to congratulate winner Miss Peru Maria Garcia.

"The final event was the Coronation Ball. I stayed up until 5 a.m. partying. They were some tears, lots of hugs and everyone had a great time. The amazing thing about China is that the people are so welcoming. I have no regrets," Suzette said, thanking everyone for supporting her all the way.

Before she returns to Guyana, Suzette will be modelling at Moore’s first London fashion show on December 18. It's part of OBETV in London first anniversary celebration. Other guest models are Miss Guyana U.K 2002, Aulthea Fifee; Miss Zambia 2004, Rosemary Chileshe; Miss Russia, Model of the World 2003, Anzhelika Klypa, Miss Romania Alina Ciorogariu; Miss Tourism World 2003; Miss Brazil Miss Tourism World 2004, Danubia Sousa; Miss Great Britain, Model of the World 2003 Ami Grove; Miss Poland, Model of the Universe 2003 Aneta Mizerh; Miss Ghana, Model of the Universe 2003 Macme Boakye; and Miss Nigeria Model of the Universe 2003, Precious Osaedoh.