From L-R Maliza Walton, Ken Chung, Odessa Phillips and Marita Persaud at the Prize Giving 2002.

THE MISS GUYANA WORLD TEAM

MISS GUYANA 2002

The show came off to a great start at around 8 15pm . The contestants introduced themselves after the master and mistress of ceremony, Mr. Ron Robinson and Ms. Phoolkumarie Coopsammy, opened the show.

Contestant #1, Ryiela Gaffar, was the first to introduce herself, beautifully clad in loose orange pants and short green midriff top. Each contestant followed wearing similar attire, and introduced herself, indicating her hometown and her sponsor.

After their brief introductions the contestants performed a short dance. When the delegates gracefully came offstage, Renaissance Group did a vocal item.
The judges were then introduced. Their prestigious group included Howard Eastman, Michelle Khan, Dr. Monica Benn, Benard Ramsey, and Bibi Next came a short dance by Barry.

At this point came the one-on-one interview segment with each delegate and the MC. Each contestant was asked about herself, her family, and her outfit. Contestant 1 Riella Gaffar wore a flowing red blouse with a short black skirt and matching black sandals. All this combined to give her a stunningly professional look. The second contestant Odessa Phillips was beautifully clad in a white and blue handpainted shirt and short side-angled skirt described as very tropical by the contestant herself. Contestant 3, Melesa Archer looked elegant in a long red and black cotton dress. Contestant #4, Ali Williams wore a white skirt and top with multicoloured checks which she stated represented the six races of Guyana. The fifth contestant, Samantha Crandon wore a cream-colored cotton mid-calf skirt with a black spaghetti-strap top and matching black sandals. Contestant #6, Marceline Basdeo wore a cream skirt suit with handpainted Chinese prints in shades of blue and yellow. Marita Persaud wore an handpainted yellow and orange angled dress and described her outfit as cool for the hot weather. Contestant #8 Danielle Mcintyre was beautifully clad in a black and white short dress and described her outfit as representing the beauty of unity. Contestant #9, Melisa Walton wore a grey and white african dress, long and flowing at the bottom and slim at the top. The final contestant, Candida Telles wore a slim fitting short black dress with a broad strap on one shoulder.

Reigning queen Miss Olive Gopaul gracefully took the stage and enchanted the crowd with a song entitled "Thank You." She was the image of elegance and beauty in a slim white evening gown secured at one shoulder with diamonds. She wore matching accessories and sandals.

There was a short intermission at 9:17 pm. After the intermission, Ms. Coopsammy and Ms. Gopaul informed the audience of the prizes involved with the competition.

Then came the evening gown segment in which the contestants displated the beautiful gowns they had worn at the pre-judging. Contestant number one, Ryiela Gaffar, came out sporting a slim-fitted purple evening gown with a purple and black chiffon sequined top and a satiny train. Contestant number 2, Odessa Phillips, was attired in a sophisticated green and gold evening gown that had spaghetti straps and a flare at the bottom. Contestant number 3, Melesa Archer, wore a flowing pink gown with a chiffon train and diamond studded top. Contestant number four, Ali Williams, wore a satiny pink and purple spaghetti-strap gown that flared at the waist and carried a lace sash. Contestant number 5, Samantha Crandon, was attired in a green gown that fell in heavy folds and was painted with gold designs. Contestant number 6, Marceline Basdeo, graced the stage with a shimmering red gown slit up the side. Contestant number 7 Marita Persaud's black gown glittered with sequins and trailed behind her as she walked. Contestant number 8, Danielle McIntyre, wore a simple white satin gown that flared at the waist and sparkled with sequins at the top. Contestant number 9, Maliza Walton, came onto stage wearing a glittery deep purple gown. And contestant number 10, Candida Telles, looked lovely in a black chiffon gown with a sheer scarf that trailed behind her as she walked. All in all, the delegates and their evening gowns delighted the audience.

Next came a dance piece by the Let's Dance Studio's advanced section. The audience went wild for the muscular dancers, roaring with appreciative laughter and cheers.

Following the dance, Miss Congeniality was announced, as selected by the ten delegates. Marita Persaud was chosen as the kindest, the one who was always helpful to the other delegates. Miss Photogenic was Ryiela Gaffar. The delegate chosen as the most disciplined was Ms. Marita Persaud. The candidate with the best skin and hair was determined to be Ryiela Gaffar. And finally, the five finalists were announced.

The talented and beautiful finalists for Miss Guyana World were: Maliza Walton, Marita Persaud, Candida Telles, Odessa Phillips, and Danielle McIntyre.

Next on the program came the final question for the five finalists. Each was asked the same question while the others waited outside so as not to hear. The delegates are judged on confidence, command of the English language, content, facial expression, and time taken to answer, among other factors. The question was: "Many people abroad have a lot of misconceptions about Guyana. What can you do to prove them wrong?" Odessa Philips emphasized the beautiful natural features of Guyana - the majestic waterfalls, etc. Marita Persaud suggested that the people come and see Guyana for themselves. Danielle McIntyre said she would send a videotape of Guyana to the media abroad. Maliza Walton responded that the Guyanese are lovely, hospitable people and that the first thing she would do would be to demonstrate that by her own example. Candida Telles replied to the question by saying that she would invite the people to Guyana and show them that the society is structured and hospitable.

After the final question came an energetic reggae song by Messenger. Then Miss Guyana 2001, Ms. Olive Gopaul, took her final walk wearing the dress she wore to the Miss World Pageant. Finally after much excitement came the naming of Miss Guyana World 2002 - Ms. Odessa Phillips was the happy winner! The Fourth Runner-up was Danielle McIntyre, the Third Runner-up was Candida Telles, the Second runner-up was Marita Persaud, and the First runner-up was Maleza Walton. Thus the ceremony came to a close, with cheers, applause, and photographs.