ROYAL SEND-OFF

ROYAL SEND-OFF|ROYAL SEND-OFF
Photo by Tangerine Clarke|Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Wearing a colorful gown designed with trumpet sleeves and a V-neckline, Miss World Guyana 2014 Rafieya Husain was greeted with flash bulbs and applause when she arrived abroad the Golden Sunshine Yacht in Sheepshead Bay last Saturday.

The 22-year-old beauty who received a royal send-off by well-wishers and the Miss World Guyana Committee during a four-hour reception cruise is passionate about her beauty with a purpose platform that addresses domestic violence and teen dating violence.

The articulate contestant, who is the first in the history of the franchise to spearhead an outreach initiative – Rafieya’s International Vision & Hope Center, will also commission a shelter at Land of Plenty, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supernam) for victims of domestic violence.

The business administration major has taken her messages to students in Guyana while working with professionals to find the root cause of violence among youth.

During the boat cruise Husain shared bracelets emblazoned with a replica of her crown and the words, “Love, Hope, Believe.” A booklet of “Stop Dating Violence — Speak Out Shatter The Silence,” and the “Be Safe” Red Cross program to prevent sexual and physical abuse against children five to nine years old, with puppetry, song and games, cements the queen’s zeal to end this scourge.

The svelte young lady who loves entertaining guests with her favorite recipe, scalloped potatoes and lamb, is more confident than ever about bringing home the crown, after the intense training she said she underwent during a recent trip to the Philippines.

“At first, I wasn’t sure about competing among the 100 plus contestants, but since my experience in the Philippines, I feel confident that I have a great chance of winning,” added the humanitarian whose training included poise, speech, make-up application and runway readiness.

“For me it was self-growth. I have learned so much and I am truly excited about being an ambassador for my country,” added Husain who leaves for Great Britain on Nov. 18, for pageant festivities before the coronation on Dec. 14, at ExCel London.

Franchise holder Natasha Blu Martindale praised the queen for her dedication to her ‘beauty with a cause’ platform and for representing Guyana with dignity. International fashion designer Roger Gary, a committee member, announced he will design the queen’s “dances of the world” costume and swimwear creation to depict Guyana’s pristine ‘Shell Beach” on the Atlantic Coast.

World-renown designer and committee member Michelle Cole will fabricate the queen’s wardrobe and her evening gown to vie for the crown.

The celebration was punctuated by exciting music presented by DJ Flexx and Sybil’s Restaurant provided the delicious cuisine while benefactors raised much needed funds for the queen.

Follow Miss World Guyana Rafieya Husain on Facebook, Twitter Feed #missworldguyana2014 ##0X4DA, or go to www.missw‌orld.com/‌Conte‌stant‌s/‌Guyan‌a to vote.

Good luck! Rafieya.

Committee Members of the Miss World Guyana Committee, couturier Roger Gary, franchisee Natasha Blu, Martaindale Rafieya Husain and fashion designer Michelle Cole.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke