Talented teen queen to represent Guyana in Trinidad Stabroek News July 16, 2000 An evening of brain, beauty and bravery is promised when eight teenagers compete in intelligence, evening wear, talent and swim wear for the Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2000 crown on Saturday at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). In addition to a $50,000 cash prize and a $50,000 education grant the queen will have an opportunity to represent Guyana at Miss Teen Caribbean Pageant in Port-of-Spain Trinidad on November 25. The Miss Teen Caribbean Pageant is an annual event which is organised by M and R Promotions in Trinidad. This is the first time Guyana is sending a delegate. The first and second runners-up will receive $25,000, a trophy and assorted gifts. The remaining contestants will all receive $5,000. Prizes will also be awarded to the contestant with the best smile, best gown, the most disciplined contestant and the most congenial. The eight teens who are between 14-19 years of age are undergoing rigorous daily training in talent, etiquette, spiritual empowerment, dining, skin care, and project development at Simpli Royal Headquarters in Quamina Street. Executive Director of Simpli Royal, Pamela Dillon, told this newspaper that the event will be judged by a few reputable individuals. Tickets cost $800, $1,000 and $1,500 and are available at Fantasy Nails, the NCC or any of the contestants. (View some of the contestants on page 1A of the Weekend Magazine) Candace Theresa Wickham "Trust God, believe in yourself," advises 18-year-old Wickham. Weighing 108 lbs and standing at 5', 5" Wickham aspires to become a pharmacist. She carries the statistics 32-25-36 and enjoys reading, dancing, cooking and listening to music. The teen hopes to become a role model for fellow teens. Reshalda Persaud Richard Ishamel Secondary School student, 14-year-old Persaud stands at 5', 6" and carries the statistics, 34-26-38. Persaud is interested in a career in the medical field. The former St Rose's High student weighs 121 lbs and enjoys dancing and sketching. Persaud who was a model for Kitty Tots and Teens television programme advises fellow teens to pay attention to their education. Ernestine Jagnaryan Aspiring accountant 14-year-old Jagnaryan enjoys dancing, singing, reading and travelling. Jagnaryan is 5' 2" tall with statistics 28-25-34. "Take your education seriously while you have a chance," the St John's College student advised. Shonnet Moore Fourteen-year-old Moore will focus on tourism as her platform. The St Rose's High School Student stands at 5' 2" with statistics 30-25-34. In her spare time the aspiring lawyer writes short stories and poetry. She encourages Guyanese to, "work to the best of their ability when attempting anything." Mariko Maria Ramdin The nationwide eradication of illiteracy is Ramdin's platform. The 16-year-old, a student of the Laser Edge Computer College, aims to become one of Guyana's leading architects. Ramdin weighs 130lbs with statistics 36-27-38. She enjoys cricket, dominoes and dancing. "Strive to be independent and stand above the crowd," is her advice to others. Tabina Lyte Lyte encourages young people to be true to themselves. The 16-year-old St Joseph High School Student hopes to become a lawyer and enjoys singing and dancing. She weighs 135 lbs, carries the statistics 36-28-40 and stands at 5' 9". Anastasia Ready While encouraging youths to give everything their best, St John's College student Ready is pursuing studies to become an accountant. The 14-year-old is 5' 2" tall with statistics 31-28-33. Her hobbies are playing board games, reading, and watching television. Ulex Ayana Atwell Essequibian born Atwell plans to tackle the problem of street children in her platform. The novice lyricist encourages everyone to respect themselves. The 17-year-old likes socialising, cooking and reading. Atwell will be pursuing studies in Pharmacology at the University of Guyana in September. She currently attends Global Technology. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today