Applications open for Miss World Guyana 2022 pageant

Jolyn Conway
Jolyn Conway

Majesty International, the official franchise holder of Miss World Guyana is on the hunt for a new queen to represent Guyana at the 2022 Miss World Competition and is inviting well-rounded, talented and confident young Guyanese women or who are of Guyanese heritage to apply.

Interested young women have until May 26 to apply. Applicants are required to be between the ages of 17 and 26, must be single and have never been married. Applicants must also be of good moral character and possess charm, poise, and personality and backgrounds not likely to bring disrepute to Majesty International, its affiliates, the Miss Guyana title, the national director or any person in relation or associated with the competition.

Guyana was last represented on the international stage in 2019 by Berbician Joylyn Conway, who was adjudged the most suitable representative during a selection process by a panel of nine judges. Joylyn made it to the Top 40 of Miss World 2019.

Miss World Guyana 2018 Ambika Ramraj

The organisation held its last local competition in 2018 when the then 19-year-old Ambika Ramraj copped the coveted crown.

Majesty International believes that the Miss World programme is an excellent vehicle for building confidence, advancing careers and personal goals and in particular, leaving a lasting positive legacy. The organisation advocates women’s empowerment and serves as a mechanism for young women interested in sports and fitness, community service and development, public speaking, modelling and those who are able to express their talents in the performing arts.

The Miss World Competition’s Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) project awards the contestant with the most relevant and important charity project in her nation. The Miss World Guyana BWAP nationwide campaign specifically aims to promote all aspects of the Guyanese society and will kickoff at the semifinal stage of the Miss World Guyana competition where each candidate will create a literacy campaign under any of 20 types including cultural, basic, media, and business/financial, so as long as it is aligned to her personal interest and drive.

Added to this worthwhile experience provided by the organisation, there is also an estimated prize package of $5.5 million.

Early last year, Crowned, a modelling agency spearheaded by former Miss Guyana Faydeha King, entered a partnership with the franchise to scout contestants for the national competition but nothing materialised.

Majesty International’s Natasha Martindale confirmed in an interview that the collaboration with Crowned no longer exists. She noted that the organisation is instead launching Majesty Talent Management Agency and is currently a member of the International Modelling and Talent Association, which will provide models and various other talent disciplines an opportunity at real stardom and to be properly scouted by international agents.

Speaking on the cancellation of local competitions in 2020 and 2021, Natasha said, “We have allowed the pandemic to break not only the dreams of many but also [their] confidence and spirit. I knew how impactful our journey is. In fact, pageantry on the whole, but experience is important on a different level that nurtures and empowers the confidence and dreams of the modern woman. Now that we have a new norm and have lived through it, we are prepared to face the odds. Besides, I can’t help but feel personally responsible for pulling the rug from under so many capable talented young women since the pandemic hit. This is why we must first forge on; this is why I chose to create alternative opportunities for Guyanese talents to bloom internationally with the opening of the agency.”

Natasha is optimistic that her plans for this year will be successful and part of the reason for this are the people on her team. Earlier this week, she announced the team’s newest addition, Davendra Lalltoo, former national director of Miss Earth Guyana.

“He has agreed to become the chairman of Miss World Guyana. Obviously, Dave is bringing a lot of talent to our team. I am excited about this prospect…,” Natasha said.

Davendra told ‘The Scene’ later, “I am overwhelmed… I do look forward to this opportunity; a new journey, one that is aimed to definitely bring the Miss World title to Guyana. I look forward to working with the entire team at Majesty International, and wish to express my gratitude to Ms Martindale for her confidence in my appointment.”

Davendra was one of the judges at Miss World Guyana 2016 and has been a big fan of the BWAP project and its impact on people and communities.

He is certain that Guyana is about to witness a new season for pageantry. The application link can be found on the franchise’s Facebook page at Miss World Guyana Org.