Miss Tourism World pageant revisited
‘… I did my best and this was just the results.’ – Bernice Nichols
From Amanda Wilson in London

‘… I did my best and this was just the results. I'm definitely better prepared for the next pageant. At first I felt a bit lost, this being my first international pageant, but I got my feet on the ground firmly before the end of the first week.’ Guyana’s delegate at the Miss Tourism World pageant

‘Everything went smoothly. We had no problems. No matter where we toured the people are peaceful and very hospitable. I was not surprised that Zimbabwe will host next year's pageant. It will be even better and Guyana's next representative will be better prepared because I will tell her what to expect. Hopefully, now the world will see the good side of Zimbabwe.’ Bernice Nichols

PICTURE this: a state-of-the-art venue almost in darkness. It's 8.30 pm on February 26 in Zimbabwe's capital and thousands of locals and foreigners sit eagerly awaiting the start of the international pageant that had created a buzz since January in the southern African country.

The quietness is suddenly shattered with a pre-recorded greeting: “Welcome to Miss Tourism World 2005 live from Zimbabwe.” Then loud lively beats filled the large Harare International Conference Centre and the switch was thrown on red, blue and white lights.

Eighty-six beautiful young women from around the world, flawlessly made-up and dressed in colourful national costumes made their way on stage. The crowd went wild.

Guyana’s delegate, Bernice Nichols, wore a Derek Moore costume, depicting Guyana's lush Savannah, unrivalled natural minerals and, of course, the magnificent Kaieteur Falls. With no-nonsense strutting, she made her way to the front of the stage and the audience showed her plenty of love.

For the five feet, eight inches 24-year-old city girl, it was a great start to her first international pageant.

"My highest point of the entire two-week experience in Zimbabwe is the night of the finals. It was so exciting. I was not nervous because the people made it most comfortable. Of course their support was biased because they had a local queen, but they were also supportive of all the girls. I was surprised to hear them cheering for all the girls they thought looked good," she told the Sunday Chronicle after the pageant.

Bernice was in the ‘looking-good’ group. She got more love when she appeared in her evening gown. She had donned another Moore creation for that sequence - a cleverly cut elegant white dress, accessorised with silver jewellery.

"That dress was out of this world. I felt like royalty," Bernice said over tea in the Sheraton Hotel cafe the morning after the big night.

The former Miss UG also looked fit in tiger print shorts and tank top, completed with beaded chain and bracelets made of coconut shells. All the contestants wore the fun-outfit designed by Moore for the entertainment piece of the night.

"It was absolute fun for that segment," she laughed. "It's like a jungle look. That outfit too is in my suitcase."

After the show, Bernice spent a few hours packing before hitting the after party scene at the Stars Club, one of Harare's top spots. She and the other contestants danced well into the next morning in the city that never sleeps.

Now, she's dressed for London's harsh weather. The young Guyanese is on the morning flight to Gatwick Airport with the rest of the contestants. Looking around the posh Sheraton Hotel, Bernice grinned. "I will miss this place, especially my room."

The hotel's foyer is busy with contestants checking out and saying goodbye to local friends.

Of course I had to ask Bernice how she felt about not placing.

"What can I say: I did my best and this was just the results," she is serious now. "I'm definitely better prepared for the next pageant. At first I felt a bit lost, this being my first international pageant, but I got my feet on the ground firmly before the end of the first week."

Miss Czech Republic Zuzana Putnarova is the new queen. First runner-up was Miss Spain Raquel Alonso; local queen Oslie Muringai was second runner-up, while Miss Ukraine Oleksandra Olynyk and Miss Nigeria Shelley Aghotse were third and fourth runners-up, respectively.

"Oh, she was always confident. I wasn't surprised she won at all. She is a really nice person. She will make a good queen because she has personality and intelligence to promote Zimbabwe's tourism industry," Bernice said of the queen.

The aim of the pageant was to show the world that Zimbabwe is a safe place to vacation and or host international events. It's being used as a promotional tool for the country's tourism industry.

"Everything went smoothly. We had no problems. No matter where we toured the people are peaceful and very hospitable. I was not surprised that Zimbabwe will host next year's pageant. It will be even better and Guyana's next representative will be better prepared because I will tell her what to expect. Hopefully, now the world will see the good side of Zimbabwe."

Now, the low points in Zimbabwe. Bernice gave me a crocked smile.

"I had more good times than bad time. Actually, I wouldn't even say bad times. It was just a bit stressful during the last week. We practised most of the day many times. Your feet ached the next day but you had to head back to practise."

She also became an on-the-spot travel agent for her homeland.

"I told everyone about Guyana's tourism sector. People mistook us for Ghana so I just had to make it clear where and what we have to offer for tourists. Zimbabwe has Victoria Falls which is great, but we have something that is just as grand - the Kaieteur Falls. We just need to promote our industry more."

Bernice spent a few days in London with family before returning home. Watch out for her at upcoming international pageants. She has her eyes on Miss Guyana World