THE MISS GUYANA WORLD TEAM
The 2003 Pageant Committee

THE MISS GUYANA WORLD PAGEANT 2003 September 6 THE NATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE

The show came off to an exciting start at around 8:15 pm. Opening the show was an exotic dance done by all the delegates beautifully clad in unique red and black outfits designed by Mr. Derek Moore. The reigning queen for 2002 also was part of the dance. One by one the delegates came on stage through a specially designed red and silver split door and introduced themselves, boasting their qualities, backgrounds and sponsors. Each and every delegate with their opening remarks enchanted the crowd who responded with loud cheers and applause.

The crowd consequently welcomed the Master and Mistress of Ceremony - Mondale Smith and Maliza Walton who went straight into the programme, introducing a dance by Classique Dance Company. The dancers moved gracefully and subtly to the instrumental piece. Next came the introduction of the Judges. The prestigious and capable panel of judges included Chief Judge Justice Claudette Singh, Ms. Andrea Teekasingh from Capital News, Mr Charles Woon-a-tai- a prominent businessman, GBC's Ms. Prudence Lewis Bola, Mrs. Claire Pires From the popular Clairan's Boutique, Mr. John Muir better known as Bill Cotton - one of Guyana's popular newspaper journalist and Mr Aubrey Smith well known for his long service in weightlifting.

A song entitled Crossroad done by local artiste Eddie was next on the programme. The sit down interview with the delegates opened with delegate # 1, Shunella Anthony, who expressed her love of teaching children to Mr. Smith. She also mentioned that women entering beauty pageants should be both beautiful and intelligent ambassadors. Delegate #2 Latoya Pereira expressed how difficult it is to be raised in a single parent family but nevertheless mentioned how excellent a job her mother did. As each delegate came on stage for her interview her video of her participation in the pageant was shown. Appearing on stage next was Delegate #3 Tannylee Munroe who spoke of her positive experience of being in the pageant. When asked how she could help an under privileged child, Ms Munroe spoke of how such children need love and care and she urged the audience to support such a cause. When asked about her sensitive and emotional disposition the delegate amazed the crowd with her very positive response. Next was delegate #4 Chelan Yhap who was asked to give her interpretation of globalization. She also mentioned that the pageant has helped her shape a better personality for herself. Delegate #5 was Shamaine Joseph she was asked what is inner beauty. She mentioned that she was a woman of substance and that is what inner beauty should entail. The former Miss Guyana Talented teen delegate said that this pageant completes her as a delegate, transforming her into the finished product that is needed for such a pageant. Nevillean Dundas, delegate #6 spoke of the need to preserve Guyana's hallmarks for our future generation. The 7th delegate, Camilla Patterson spoke of the water plants in Guyana and encouraged the people to conserve water and consume less of it as her response to how she can conserve water. Maliza Walton interviewed the final 6 delegates. Miss Angelina Murray was the 8th delegate who spoke of her cosmetology career. She mentioned the lack of proper waste management as one of Guyana's biggest problems. The 9th delegate Quintinilla Simon, the youngest of the lot mentioned her love for being a flight attendant as the driving force behind her wanting to learn foreign languages. Delegate #10 Alexis Glasgow talked about her hometown Berbice and the warm people there. She spoke of her experience as a flight attendant at Universal Airlines. Delegate #11 Ann Lyken spoke of the beauty of the people of Linden despite the hardships they undergo economically. Next was Omega Naraine, delegate #12 who talked about how she can help to alleviate poverty in Guyana. The final delegate Suzette Shim spoke of her wonderful experience being in the pageant. This marked the end of the interview segment.

A Calypso song done by Tempest was next on the programme. The intermission which lasted for about 20 minutes came just after. At 10 pm sharp the show resumed with the Master of Mistress of ceremony informed the audience of the prizes involved in the pageant. Lets Dance Company then took to the stage with an upbeat fast tempo song which was well received by the audience. Special acknowledgements were made to all the queens of other pageants in Guyana that were present. MS. Candace Fields enchanted the crowd with her melodious voice as she sang beautifully the song, 'A Moment like This'.
Mr. Smith then informed the audience of the objectives of the pageant noting all criteria that the judges look for in the delegates which included command of the English language, over all suitability, impact on audience, facial expression, and response to questions amongst others.

The Evening gown segment commenced with Delegate # 1, Shinella Anthony who sported a beautiful long shimmery green evening gown with a satiny trail. Next was Latoya Perera wearing a long white and silver strapless slim fitting evening gown with matching accessories. Delegate # 3, Tannylee Munroe wore a mixture of bronze and gold armless dress with matching accessories. Chelan Yhap, delegate # 4 wore a gown, a mixture of bold colours highlighted by a bright orange trail which went well with a matching rose hair piece. Shamaine Davis, delegate #5 sported a purple tied dyed slim fitting gown flared at the bottom which also carried a maroon trail and matching shoes. Nevillean Dundas, delegate # 6 took the stage dressed in a simple white backless top and flowing skirt with small cap sleeves. Dressed in a close fitting backless bright red sequined dress with straps and matching accessories was delegate #7, Camilla Patterson. Dlegate # 8 Angeleena Murray wore a very unique brown and multi coloured dress side angled and sporting a trail. Next, was delegate #9, Quintinilla Simon who wore an orange and gold backless and strapless slim fitting dress secured at one side with a strap adorned with matching accessories. Alexis Glasgow, delegate #10 displayed a grey fish tail dress carrying loose spaghetti straps falling at the back. Ann Lyken, delegate #11 wore a beautiful tube gown mixed with purple and green, a lovely blend matching with her fair complexion. This was highlighted by the matching accessories she wore. Omega Naraine modeled a dark green unique midriff top and long flared skirt secured by straps. Finally Suzette Shim took the stage with a beautiful yellow and blue slim Chinese-style gown bearing a cape secured at the two shoulders. This beautiful blend was highlighted by matching accessories and chop-sticks in her hair.

Serenading of delegates was done by Christopher Wilson who proudly brought the delegates back on stage and together they moved to his soca tune "Sugar, sugar". Classique Dance Company again pleased the crowd with a soothing Indian dance. Miss Congeniality was judged to be Nevillean Dundas who received a Citizens watch and gold jewellery. Best Hair was judged by the Miss Guyana World Committee and was revealed to be Quintinilla Simon. She received a Sedal Hamper. The contestant with the Best Smile, decided by the judges was Alexis Glasgow who received a Close-Up hamper. Suzette Shim judged by the Guyanese received the most votes on the internet. Miss Photogenic awarded by Acme Photo Studios was again Suzette Shim. Alexis Glasgow was judged the winner of the evening gown segment. The finalists were then announced to be Suzette Shim, Shamaine Davis, Nevillean Dundas, Alexis Glasgow and finally Chelan Yhap. The final question for the evening was 'If you were the president of Guyana for one day and you had to make a very important decision what would that be?' Shim answered that she would ensure welfare for women is secured since that was her platform. Shamaine Davis responded that she would begin educating the people of ecotourism and the highlights of Guyana. Nevillean Dundas responded that she would pass a bill for environmental protection which she further elaborated upon. Alexis Glasgow told the audience that she would reduce the racial gap within her country. This response was received by loud cheers from the audience. Yhap responded that she would charge taxes so that the country's capital can grow and that she would help under privileged children. To provide some entertainment afterwards was a duet done by Amanda Peters and Edwin. The reigning queen Ms. Odessa Phillips took her final walk on stage as she was the image of beauty and grace in a gold and green slim side slitted gown, designed by Derek Moore which she wore to the Miss World Pageant in Nigeria. Smith and Walton then gave the vote of thanks. The delegates then made their way on stage along with the reigning queen awaiting the Big Decision. Fourth runner up was revealed to be Chelan Yhap , Third runner up was Shamaine Davis, Second runner up was Suzette Shim, Nevillean Dundas the first runner up and the winner of the Miss Guyana World Pageant 2003 was declared to be Alexis Glasgow. Thus, at 11:40 pm, the show came to a close with loud cheers and applause from an appreciative and contented audience.

If you ever meet Miss Guyana World 2003 Alexis Glasgow, you will swear that the love and warmth that she exudes coupled with her extremely hearty laugh, striking beauty, brilliant smile and beautiful eyes makes her a truly unique individual. Perhaps these unique qualities are destined to take Alexis to great heights - a journey she has already embarked upon.

In June 2003, Alexis made the decision to compete in the Miss Guyana World contest with 12 other young ladies like herself. It was a decision that she has not regretted. On September the 6th, 2003, Alexis was a picture of beauty and elegance as she captured the title of Miss Guyana World 2003. As she stood in the wings of the National Culture Centre waiting for the judges to make their final decision, Alexis said to me.." I am proud of myself and I am proud of all the other girls here tonight, whoever wins I will be very happy for them.....I have had so much fun in this pageant and that is enough for me." She was confident but contented with her performance as I have always found her to be . As it turned out it was her night and crowned she was amidst a scatter of confetti and a mostly happy crowd at the National Culture Centre.

Now, just short of one year since her crowning, Alexis is prepared to crown the young lady selected to be represent Guyana at the next Miss World Contest. "I love Suzie. She will do great" was her response when she told of the committee's decision to award the 2004 title to Suzette Shim who participated with her in the 2003 contest and who placed 2nd runner up in that contest. "I always felt that Suzie was my biggest competition....and I told her this crown is for me or you. I am happy that I am handing over to her"

Alexis cannot stop recounting the memories of her trips to New York, London, Hong Kong and China. Her life changed immensely after she was crowned. She became very busy making courtesy calls, doing photo shoots, doing fittings, working with her trainers, shopping and spending time at the salon. Within weeks of the crowning she was whisked away to New York to shop for her wardrobe, accompanied by her chaperone and Designer Derek Moore and Pageant Coordinator and former Miss Guyana World Olive Gopaul. It was an exciting week when Alexis met with many Guyanese, including the Guyanese consulate in New York who provided much encouragement and support. She also performed in a fund raising fashion show at the JR Fashion Cafe in Brooklyn and had her very first ride in a limousine. " I felt very special....just like a movie star" she said as she recounted the experience. Perhaps that was just the tip of the ice berg for Alexis since her dream is to become an actress one day.

After returning briefly to Guyana Alexis left for London where she spent one month undergoing intense training in voice training with UK based Guyanese Jazz Singer Frank Holder, perfecting her pageant skills and and putting together her wardrobe with Derek Moore. While in London Alexis was hosted by the Guyana High Commission in London at a Cocktail reception and met a wide cross section of UK based Guyanese at a fund raising dinner hosted by Alexis. While in London, Alexis also met with Ms World 1975 Wilnelia Forsyth and had a professional modeling photoshoot. A very confident Alexis met with the Miss World party in Hong Kong where all the contestants were hosted at a welcome dinner and enjoyed sight seeing in Hong Kong. A few days later she was in China having the time of her life. "China is so beautiful, so rich in culture" she recounted on her return to Guyana. She had the opportunity to do a lot of sightseeing in China, visiting places such as the Great Wall of China where she experienced snow for the first time and the provinces of Beijing, Hyco, Hainan, Shanghai and Xian. She was also amongst a select group of contestants to have dinner with Miss World CEO, Julia Morley. Recently, at a press conference hosted by the Miss Guyana World Committee Alexis noted " I know I did my best, I gave it my all and I have no grouse about the results" It was an incredible opportunity and I enjoyed myself very much... I have enough memories to last me a life time and enough stories to tell my grandchildren. I have made so many friends and met so many interesting people.... I would encourage every young out there to go after this, if it is your dream ....whoever you are you can do it if you set your mind to it." Alexis is now focusing on pursuing her dream of becoming an actress.