An eagerly-awaited comeback
Editorial
TICKETS have been reportedly sold out for tonight's Miss Guyana pageant at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown. This was not surprising since many Guyanese had eagerly been awaiting the return of the contest, stopped amid several ugly incidents several years ago. This is the first time Guyana will be selecting a delegate for the Miss Universe contest scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago in May. The young ladies in the race for the coveted title tonight had some initial difficulty getting sponsors and several major firms, perhaps remembering the bitter experiences of the last time around, when a blazing row followed the declaration of a winner, have stayed out. All eventually got sponsors and everything was yesterday reported in fine shape for tonight's gala affair. As the reigning Miss Universe, Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad and Tobago has shown, the prestigious title is not out of the reach of women in this part of the world. Beauty contests, however, have come to mean more than just pretty faces and shapely bodies and the judges here tonight will have to bear in mind that the Miss Guyana they pick will not have an easy time. The Guyanese public, starved a long time for such a contest, will expect high standards from these contestants. We are confident they will live up to those expectations. The public, however, must remember that the judges' decision is final and, in respecting that decision, throw its support behind the queen. The live television transmission and the worldwide audience that Miss Universe pageants now attract will ensure unprecedented international exposure for the countries that those in the top row represent. Miss Fitzwilliam referred to his often during her visit here last month, noting that her winning the crown and the resultant international media exposure gave Trinidad and Tobago immense publicity and benefits. Despite the hiccups, Guyana is aiming to become a key eco-tourism destination in the region and this drive can get a fantastic push if Miss Guyana excels in Trinidad next month. This `delegate', therefore, will be carrying a huge burden, for country and for self, and cannot rely on just a pretty face, a dazzling smile, or stunning figure to make her mark in the international arena. Personality, charm, intelligence, refinement of speech and such things that combine to create that special inner glow that queens are made of will have to shine through - tonight and on that vastly different stage and in the glare of dreadfully demanding television cameras and lights in Trinidad in May. Above all, Miss Guyana will have to be an ambassador par excellence, and that is the challenge the judges face tonight - picking the young lady best suited from among those who have had the courage, grit and determination to come forward. The eight have dazzled their public through the media in the run-up to tonight's affair and contingents will be in the National Cultural Centre to back their choices. The stage will be for the eight delegates tonight to make their mark but only one can get the crown. We wish all well, especially the judges, who have an immense task on their hands. 
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