19-year-old for Miss CARICOM Pageant
by Shawnel Cudjoe
Guyana Chronicle
May 25, 2004
GUYANA'S delegate for the inaugural Miss CARICOM International Pageant, to be held at the National Cultural Centre on July 10, was introduced to the public yesterday at a press conference at the Water Chris Hotel.
Nineteen-year-old Kayeann Hall triumphed over three other girls in the final selection process, which included a swimsuit and interview segments, and earned the opportunity to represent her country.
The five-foot, eleven inch beauty, who completed her A Levels at Bishop's High School last year, is currently employed as a Reservation Agent at Universal Airlines.
The 'fresh face' in pageantry told the media that she is very excited to be representing Guyana in this 'glitzy' affair and exclaimed with confidence that 'the crown is staying here'.
Although she exudes such confidence, Hall admitted that she never thought about entering pageants.
"I never pictured myself representing Guyana, but I was motivated by my neighbour. If I was not pushed by someone, I would not have been here."
The soft spoken teen also disclosed that other pageants might be on her list when Miss CARICOM 2004 is over.
Among the team of persons helping her prepare for the event are, local designer Ashton John-Clarke and Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Guyana (UG) Dr. Mark Kirton.
This pageant unlike some others will have no talent segment.
Committee member Ms. Donna Short-Gill told the media that the pageant is one that brings together women of the CARICOM to showcase their various cultures, beauty and brains.
The interview segment will be televised live on July 6, while the swimsuit segment will be held on the lawns of the Castellani House on July 8.
The 14 other delegates for the prestigious pageant will be arriving in Guyana along with their entourage ten days before pageant day.
The panel of elite judges for the event includes Hollywood and Lethal Weapon Star Danny Glover, Actor Leon Robinson, famous for his roles in 'Waiting to Exhale' and 'Cool Runnings,' Guyanese-born New York State Senator John Sampson, Guyana's own Eddy Grant and Calypso King, The Mighty Sparrow.
Winner of the event will be driving away in a new car, and US$5,000 in cash.
Coordinator of the pageant, local designer Patricia Coates, told the news conference that they have the full support of the Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sports and Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
According to Coates, all that is missing is the support of the Guyanese public.
Franchise holder Ms. Monica Sanchez was the winner of the first ever Ms. Guyana USA Pageant and is also an international fashion designer and entertainment producer.
The event dubbed 'Guyana's Oscar Awards' is expected to foster stronger communication, business opportunities and also promote more tourism among U.S citizens and the participating countries.
The schedule of events includes the Swim Wear Competition, visits to charitable events, photo shoots and musical performances, meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo, Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin and Mayor of Georgetown Mr. Hamilton Green.
Companies are asked to come on board with sponsorship and in return they are promised lots of international recognition and marketing for their products.
However, such a glamorous affair does come at a price. Tickets for the show cost $5,000, $3,500 and $2,500.