She has promised to put her best foot forward in doing "something" for the young women of this country.

In Leanna's suitcase is her competition evening gown, her "Water Goddess" costume created by top local designer, Derek Moore, and a jasper stone set in gold from Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) - her national gift for Miss Universe.

The national gift was presented yesterday by Acting President Samuel Hinds at a farewell press conference at which Leanna said she owes it to "all of the young women that reside in this country to do something" for them.

The gift will be presented to Miss Universe and will be auctioned off for charity.

A teary-eyed Leanna told reporters that she would do her best in Panama. As to who wears the Miss Universe 2003 crown, she was ever careful to point out that this decision rests with the judges.

Leanna said she could only "really and truly compete strongly" and strive to make Guyana proud of her.

The queen expressed gratitude to Miss Guyana Universe franchise holder, Mr. Odinga Lumumba for giving her the opportunity to compete at Miss Universe.

She also thanked the media for their support, saying that she has been helped to get accustomed to the camera and that she has become stronger because of the way she has been treated.

Lumumba was confident that Leanna was better prepared than last year's queen, Mia Rahaman.

Overseas-based Guyanese designer, Roger Gary selected Leanna's competition evening gown. The dress was not shown to the public.

However, the national costume, representing Guyana's winding and cascading waters, was showcased at the press conference.

According to designer Moore, the costume represents the aquatic splendour of Guyana's great rivers, far stretching seas and glistening waterfalls.

As to promotion for Leanna and Guyana in Panama, Lumumba said the queen was taking along with her about 2,000 brochures of herself and Guyana.

Leanna is being accompanied to Panama by Nickolet Trotman-Lumumba, while Miss Guyana Universe Committee members, Pamela Dillon and Steve Ninvalle will go later.

Miss Guyana Universe 2002 second runner-up, Juanita Collins, on behalf of her employer BWIA, presented the queen with first class round trip tickets for herself and chaperone to Miami.

They will in turn receive tickets to Panama, compliments of last year's patron, Federal Management Systems.