Guyana boasts a vibrant beauty pageant scene that celebrates the nation’s rich cultural diversity, environmental advocacy, and the empowerment of women across various age groups. These pageants not only highlight beauty and talent but also serve as platforms for social causes and national representation on international stages.
Major Beauty Pageants in Guyana
1. Miss Universe Guyana
- Established: 1947
- Purpose: Selects Guyana’s representative for the international Miss Universe competition.
- Recent Titleholder: Lisa Narine (2023), a creative coordinator and radio host from Region 3, crowned under the new directorship of Teri Brown-Walker.
2. Miss Guyana World
- Inception: 1966
- Notable Titleholders:
- Umblita Van Sluytman (1966): Guyana’s first international pageant representative.
- Shakira Baksh (1967): Achieved runner-up position at Miss World 1967 and later married actor Michael Caine.
3. Miss Earth Guyana
- Founded: 2010
- Focus: Environmental awareness and sustainability.
- Recent Achievements:
- Faydeha King (2019): Reached the Top 20 at Miss Earth.
- Xamiera Kippins (2018): Won Gold for National Costume and Silver for Talent.
4. Miss Guyana Culture Queen
- Debut: 2023
- Objective: Promotes Guyanese cultural heritage.
- Recent Titleholder: Shequana Holder (2024), who secured multiple awards including Best National Dress and Best Talent.
5. Miss Guyana Teen with a Purpose
- Target Group: Teenagers advocating for social causes.
- Recent Winner: Raina Thomas (2024), who highlighted the issue of family neglect and won accolades for Best Costume and Best Talent.
6. Miss Global International Guyana
- Recent Titleholder: Lateefah Forde (2023), a fourth-year medical student who represented Guyana at the international pageant in Jamaica.
7. Miss International Elegant Mother
- Recent Achievement: Alicia Bess Anderson (2023) won the title, celebrating motherhood and elegance, at the competition held in St. Maarten.
Notable Figures in Guyanese Pageantry
- Umblita Van Sluytman: Pioneered Guyana’s presence in international pageants in 1966.
- Shakira Baksh: Achieved international acclaim in 1967 and later became known as Lady Caine.
- Shemina Peroune: First Guyanese to win the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen title in 2023.
- Christa Simmons: Represented Guyana at Miss World 2008 and holds degrees in sociology and law.
Guyana’s beauty pageants serve as more than just contests of aesthetics; they are platforms for cultural expression, environmental advocacy, and social change, empowering women to make significant contributions both nationally and internationally.
