Miss Guyana begins hectic schedule
BY WENDELLA DAVIDSON
WITH just over a month before departing these shores to compete in the Miss Universe Pageant, reigning Miss Guyana/Universe '99, Morvinia Sobers, has begun a busy schedule of gym and modelling sessions, as well as special educational classes at the University of Guyana. The special educational classes which began last week, are aimed at sharpening her intellect in areas of English Language, the history, geography and eco-tourism of Guyana, as well as current affairs. It is being conducted by experts in those fields including Dr Mark Kirton; Ms Pat Persaud and Mr Tota Mangar. Sobers, a svelte, 20-year-old beauty with vital statistics of 33-24-38, won the coveted crown from a field of seven other contestants at a May 20 pageant, staged at the National Cultural Centre. According to the Ms Universe contract, the Miss Guyana/Universe '99 contestant should be in Trinidad no later than May 8, next, where she will join other contestants from other countries around the world for photo-shoots and other promotional engagements in the run-up to the May 26, pageant. According to a contract dated March 17, between Mr Sri Yoogeandra of Top Rank Foundation and Franchise Holder of the Ms Universe Inc., and the Guyana Lottery Company which sponsored Sobers for the local pageant, Yoogeandra is now responsible for providing: * a round trip, air transportation, and accommodation and meals en route to Trinidad. * a wardrobe adequate for rehearsals and appearances during the 1999 Miss Universe Pageant. The wardrobe must include two cocktail dresses; six informal dresses for various evening events; rehearsal clothes such as shorts, sweats and T-shirts and appropriate footwear (including flat dance shoes for rehearsals) for the previously mentioned outfits. * at least one competition evening gown which should be in the delegate's possession upon arrival in the Host City. * a national costume and a gift symbolic of the delegate's country (Guyana) to present to the officials of the Host City together with an Affidavit attesting to the fact that the wardrobe and gift have been provided to the delegate. * and, US$200 to be given to the delegate for her personal use. However, for the duration of the stay as delegate of the Ms Universe Pageant, the organiser of the event will undertake responsibility for hotel accommodation and meals. According to the itinerary, on May 10, Ms Guyana/Universe will attend a Heritage Festival; on May 11, a Caribbean Night and on May 12, a Charity Ball. In a telephone conversation with Yoogeandra yesterday, he confirmed that arrangements are in train for Sobers to represent Guyana. According to him, Sobers has already been accepted as a entrant following the submission of a delegate information sheet on her, one of the pre-requisites for entry into the Miss Universe Pageant. However, he is requesting from interested persons, suggestions for a national dress. Suggestions must be submitted no later than Friday. Submissions could be forwarded to Majestics on Middle Street (between Thomas and East Streets), or through direct contact with the Franchise Holder on Telephone Number: 65000. Yoogeandra said Sobers will appear at official functions once these do not clash with her training schedule. He emphasised though that companies/entities which need Miss Guyana to appear on their behalf for publicity purposes, must pay a nominal fee, which he said will offset administrative expenses and pay a stipend to the Queen. Yoogeandra said too that in addition to Sobers being available for such occasions, requests can be made for appearances by other contestants all of whom are still under contract. Meanwhile, some persons are unhappy that Sobers has not been assigned a female chaperone while here, but Yoogeandra said that she will not be assigned one in Trinidad, since the requirements are that the delegate, with exception to the pageant night, must be able to do her own hairstyle and apply her own makeup. Asked whether the committee which was established to oversee the successful staging of the March 20 pageant is still in place, the franchise holder said no. According to him, the life of that committee ended at the end of that occasion. For the upcoming event, he is assisted by Mr Derek Moore. Asked about Trinidadian Lester Rauseo, he said his contract has ended, for which he has been paid TT$20,000. Meanwhile, the Chronicle learnt that a committee, consisting of Ministerial Advisor on Empowerment, Mr Odinga Lumumba; designer Ms Pat Coates and others, is overseeing the interests of Sobers. 
|