This week Stabroek News asked the man/woman in the street to express their views on the Miss Guyana/Universe pageant held last Saturday at the National Cultural Centre. Their views follow:

Neaz Subhan - media personality: `Well, Mia is the queen and we have to support her because she will be representing Guyana. This is an opportunity for the country to rally around a young woman and improve its image overseas. It is unfortunate that like many other pageants held locally, the final decision did not go down well with all. The fact that the event attracted 20 contestants who were all capable of representing the country at an international level augurs well for future pageants. When Carl Hooper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul are representing Guyana or the West Indies at cricket, people of all races hug and share the joy of every good score with each other. Similarly we can put aside our differences and unite in backing Mia.'

Adrian Ally - cameraman: `I support her [Mia] as the queen because the judges' decision is final. Each of the 20 delegates gave of their best and of course, each would have had her own supporters but as Guyanese it is important that we stand behind the person who holds the crown. In relation to the pageant itself, I think that it was very well organised, particularly the swimsuit segment. It was a pageant with a difference!'

Haji Zakir - overseas-based Guyanese radio broadcaster: `There is likely to be controversy in any pageant but one has to accept the judges' decision. I have met Mia, and I believe that she has a good chance of competing internationally. Some of the criticisms levelled against her are unfair. However, the assessments given by both Wendy [Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998] and Mpule [Kwelagobe, Miss Universe 1999] are encouraging. Several of the contestants were quite young and that is a positive sign since all that we need to ensure is that they are well groomed and adequately educated. Guyana needs young people of calibre.'

Mohamed Zaher - student: `It is my view that since Mia has already won the crown, everyone should attempt to be more supportive. If you must criticise, ensure that whatever you say is constructive. However, I feel that the queen should lose some weight so that she can compete effectively in Puerto Rico.'

Bibi Mohamed - student: `I think that Mia is beautiful. She will do our country proud. As far as I'm concerned, the judging was excellent. I would like to wish Miss Guyana/Universe good luck.'

Shonette Britton - student: `In my opinion, she [Mia] did not deserve to win because her response to the final question was not the best one. She has a very pretty face, so she should try to lose some `waist' and perhaps improve on her knowledge, especially since she is wearing the crown. I also think that she should reduce her bust-line.'

Marvin Cicero - barber: `I think that Mia possesses the perfect personality. She has to work on her size but her height is just excellent for a Miss Universe contender. As long as she remains focused and receives 100% support from her fellow Guyanese, she can make us proud. We need to remember that when she goes to Puerto Rico, she'll be our ambassador.'

Ron Austin - barber: `Mia was the best looking of the girls selected in the final five. She has great height, she just needs to work on her figure. However, I believe that the public should have been made aware of the judging criteria being used prior to the pageant night. That way, a lot of confusion would have been avoided. But we need to support Mia regardless of race or colour because she is Guyanese.'

Napoleon Damon - handyman: `My view is that the pageant in itself was good. Events like these are very exciting and I would like to see similar pageants or other activities of the same quality produced more often. I think that Mia deserves to win and Guyanese should give their all in backing her.'