By Zoisa Fraser

The new Miss Guyana World, Jasmine Herzog, was full of confidence on Saturday night and never once hesitated when she had to speak.

Her victory came as a shock to many who believed pageant veteran Ulex Atwell had the competition in the bag. But those who fell for the model-like Herzog rallied around her until the crown was on her head.

The grand finale which was held at the poolside of Le Meridien Pegasus gave the people an opportunity to get up close and personal with the nine delegates as they competed against each other for an opportunity to represent Guyana at the Miss World pageant in Sanya, China, on December 10.

Herzog, Latoya Bailey, Carlotta Primo, Ginesta David, Melessa Payne, Ulex Atwell, Renee Chester, Mikieda Franklin and Dacia Blackmore were the young ladies vying for the title.

The contest began with an opening dance and an introduction by the delegates and this was followed by a musical interlude by singer `Slingshot'.

The girls then showcased their beauty, poise and modelling skills when they paraded on stage in their swimsuits.

The crowd later got a chance to get a glimpse of the girls in their evening gowns.

Before the selection of the final five several of the delegates were presented with special prizes: Herzog for Best Hair; David (former Miss Guyana African Heritage) for Best Smile; Franklin (sister of the reigning Miss Guyana Universe) Miss Congeniality and Miss Internet; and crowd favourite Atwell, Miss Sacha Face, Miss Body Beautiful and Miss Photogenic.

The five delegates chosen by the judges for the final were Payne, Atwell, Herzog, Blackmore and Franklin.

The final question proved the downfall for some of them.

Each was asked to put her hand in a jar and pull out a slip of paper which had a question printed on it.

After this was done, and the questions were answered, Payne was named fourth runner-up, Franklin third runner-up and Blackmore, second runner-up.

Herzorg and Atwell remained frozen as they awaited the announcement and mistress of ceremonies, Olive Gopaul, declared Herzorg queen.

If you were to win this pageant tonight and go on to China what would be some of the key elements of Guyana you would showcase?

This was the question Herzog, a third-year Biology student of the University of Guyana had to answer.

She responded that she would definitely showcase the interior where tourism lies. That response sent the crowd into a carnival atmosphere. Herzog then went on to talk about eco tourism and the virgin interior.

Atwell's question was: "If you were president for one day what would you do?"

She responded that she would focus on the literacy drive. She also stated that she would fix the traffic lights and encourage people to live together.