Miss Guyana/World Suzette Shim will be the centre of attention in a new documentary being produced by the UK's Original Black Enter-tainment Ltd TV (OBETV), a Sky digital channel with viewership in Africa and Europe.

Shim arrived in London two weeks ago and a film crew has been recording all of her public appearances in preparation for the big event in China in December.

Artistic Director/Choreo-grapher of the Miss Guyana/ World committee, Derek Moore told Stabroek News that the film experience will be a boon to the beauty who is still in the midst of preparations for the big event.

"This (the filming) is a runnerup for the Miss World for her as she is exposed to the steady camera light," he said.

Miss Guyana/World Franchise holder Ken Chung approached the channel about the documentary, which will also be featuring some of Moore's fashions.

He also said the documentary would auger well for the marketing of Guyana which is often confused with the African state of Ghana.

Shim, the 19yearold Guyanese of Chinese and Indian parentage, has had nothing but hard days and nights since her arrival in London, where fund-raisers in her honour have kept her busy.

There was a fund raising dinner and dance on Saturday night at the Classic Restaurant and Ballroom where she received a tremendous outpouring of support.

Fans hounded her for autographs and lined up to be photographed with her after she was serenaded by overseas-based Guyanese artist, John `Slingshot' Drepaul. "I feel honoured and overwhelmed by the kind of support I received since being here, and the most I can promise the Guyanese here and back home is to do my best," Shim told Stabroek News.

She lit up the room with her smile and was both queen and regular girl when she took to the dance floor and worked her waist like a real Caribbean girl.

The Miss Guyana/World committee selected the University of Guyana marketing major from a list of applicants who were interviewed because no pageant was held this year.

She had, however, been the first runner-up in last year's contest, experience that the organisers are counting on as a plus for her. "I am very, very confident. I know I have what it takes to go out there. I believe in myself and all Guyanese here and back home believe in me and that's all the motivation and support I need," she said.

She does not have a strategy to lift the crown but plans to make sure all the judges see her. "... I know I am going to go out there and do my best... I know it will take a lot of hard work because this year there is to be one hundred and twenty girls, so I have to try my best to make sure they (the judges) are seeing me."

Guyana has had little success in recent years on the international pageant scene. With this in mind she believes she has a responsibility to attempt to make a difference. And for her supporters back home she had only one simple message: "I know I am going to be in China but I am still expecting your support. Thank you so much for everything."

Shim's grandfather is from China and she has a striking Asian look that she expects to help her feel right at home.

Shim is the fourth queen to bid for the Miss World title since Chung obtained the franchise. She wings away from London to China on Friday for the pageant on December 4.

Prior to the big pageant she will also be part of the `Model of the World' contest on November 5 which will give her additional preparation for the big night.

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