Arti Cameron was last night crowned Miss Guyana World 2011 at the pageant held at the National Cultural Centre.
Soyini Fraser took the first runner-up spot while Celeste Dolphin was the second runner-up. The fourth position went to Utieka John
Cameron, highly favoured by many from the beginning, also won the Miss Photogenic, Body Beautiful and Best Gown Prizes.
Four queens were crowned last night: Miss Guyana World, Miss Guyana Princess of the World, Miss Guyana Caribbean World and Miss Guyana United Nations.
The Queen, first, second and third runner up will represent Guyana at these International Pageants respectively.
Cameron, will be travelling to London, England for the top competition as she was crowned Miss Guyana World.
Cameron did outstandingly well but disappointed many of her supporters when she opened the talent segment with a dance, entitled ’Mixed moods’ where she danced to various types of music at different paces and changed her wardrobe right in front of the audience. This performance was unfortunately not good enough. Walking away with the top prize in this segment was Ruquayyah Boyer, who did an amazing, self-composed dramatic poem called ‘Breathe’. This piece depicted an abused woman who overcame the hurdles presented to her by an unappreciative man. This act won the support of many for Boyer as screams and whistles were heard throughout the venue long after the contestant left the stage.
Cameron did not win the intelligence segment either but managed to pull off the win with the final question which was “Based on the theme of this year’s pageant, Beauty with a purpose- Empowering the Guyanese woman, say in 30 seconds or less, what role can men play in empowering women?”. With a smooth and sharp response she said “I believe that men should support the roles of women to encourage them to take full advantage of their education and academics. I also believe by understanding and being more aware of the effect that violence has on women and children will help to empower women. I also believe that men could encourage their fellow men to support equal opportunities for both men and women, with this, they will progress greatly as a nation,” she answered.
Cameron, however did not win this segment. Winner of this segment was first runner up Fraser, who responded, “Men have an important role to play. Women, in Guyana especially, need the brace and support of Guyanese men. For a woman to take a stance, to grow up in society and also, to be all that she can be, there needs to be somebody, a father, a brother or even a friend, guiding her along and showing her that she can do it, morally, spiritually and also financially”.
