Among them are: Mia Rahaman, daughter of ace racing driver and businessman, Mr. Jad Rahaman; Cathryn Xavier, daughter of Public Works Minister, Mr. Anthony Xavier; Petal De Santos, daughter of former Attorney General, Mr. Bernard De Santos; Asha Pieters, reigning Miss Talented Teen Guyana; Cephana Glasgow, former Miss Linden; Angelica Fredericks, former Miss Bartica; Jonell Melissa David, former Miss Guyana World contestant; Sharmaine Joseph, first runner-up in Miss Guyana World 2001; Heera Raghubir, former Miss Guyana Universe contestant; and Sissel Moore who copped the 'Best Smile' and `Best Gown' titles in the recent Miss Mashramani pageant.

Others in the line-up are GTV 11's Tamara Rodney, Sheneze Galloway, Bibi Farroon, Lorianne Pluck, Candacy Evelyn, Dorda Harmon-Lewis, Tandika Singh, Olivia Browne, Anita McPherson, and Juanita Collins, a flight attendant with the regional carrier, BWIA.

A 21st selectee called at the last moment to say she could not participate in the contest after all.

The selection committee, which met late Wednesday to make the tough but final decision, comprised journalists Steve Ninvalle, Nazim Hussain and Clem David; designers Pamela Fox, Michelle Cole and Pat Coates; Fantasy Nails' Pamela Dillon; Miss Guyana Universe 2002 Manager, Nickolet Trotman; Negla Brandis; and this year's Miss Guyana Universe franchise holder, Odinga Lumumba.

According to Lumumba, of the close to 100 applicants, 39 came within range of the basic requirements which stipulate that a contestant must be 5' 5" in height, between 18-27 years old, have a minimum of five CXCs and have no children.

The final 21 were selected on the merits of looks, charisma and education among other criteria.

The next step, Lumumba says, is to begin preparing the girls for the 'big nite' which is on April 13, for which Trinidad's Lester Rouseau who is expected on Sunday, has been retained as main trainer.

Others in the training camp are U.S.-based Guyanese Robert Dover, who runs Ms Universe Pageants in Washington DC and Maryland, and Charles Gary, who will help with stage work.

Acclaimed Guyanese designer, Walter Greene, who has been living abroad for aeons now, has agreed to be MC, while word is still being awaited from former Miss Guyana, Alexis Harris, whether she will agree to be co-MC.

The group is also in negotiations with Jamaican Freddy McGregor to serenade the girls and generally entertain on pageant night.