In May, Raveena Mangal will compete in her first pageant when she represents Guyana at the Miss Model of Tourism World 2021 in Jamaica. The 29-year-old has numerous incredible experiences as a local and international tourist where she engaged in various cultural activities, and she is confident; she makes for stiff competition.
“It is a true honour to represent [our] country on any platform and for me, it is one I hold with
much pride, giddy excitement and if I’m being honest, nervousness as well,” she said. “Day by day, however, with the training and guidance our Director Ms Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud
provides, as well as motivation from my Pageant brother, Mr Model of Tourism of Guyana, Paul Charles, and the outpouring of support I’ve received on social media,especially from women, I am more confident in my purpose and my arms are stronger to carry the pillar of beauty and strength our country represents. I am ready and ecstatic!”
Asked what it is she brings to the pageant, Raveena joked as she said, “charm and good humour”. However, on a more serious note, she boasted that Guyana is rich in culture along with its heritage, and anyone representing Guyana will make an interesting participant.
“I am taking to the pageant, the Guyana experience and identity. I think this is an important depiction, as our country is now an oil producing republic, our value as a nation is more than the extractive and our tourism product is as unique as we are,” she said with pride.
A native of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Raveena was considered the tom-boy type who loved reading books. “I played a lot of ‘ketcha’ in school, climbed numerous trees, swam in many a trench, once broke my clavicle, rode my uncle’s motorbike, ate pickle till I was sick and read most of the Nancy Drew, Goosebumps, and Famous Five series, and all of the Harry Potter books,” Raveena shared.
She was never the girl swooning over the glamour of pageantry and while she grew up watching numerous pageants with family always hoping like them to catch a glimpse of Miss Guyana on the international stage, she was never really engrossed by the competitions as she considered them to be superficial. As such, she never fancied pageantry. Some years ago, however, when she learnt of how many amazing causes were highlighted and embarked upon through pageantry, her perspective began to change, and she began to have great admiration for the women who were courageous enough to take up such a challenge. Yet even then, she was not too keen about participating in a pageant though she was open to the idea. As time progressed, she realized the window for such participation was closed to her as she was older than the required age range.
It took a worldwide pandemic for Raveena to realize that one should never pass up opportunities as one day they may not be available anymore. Finally, when she learnt through the pageant director, who is also her dance teacher, that there was one that catered for her age group and perfect also for someone like her who loves travelling and culture, she knew this was the one.
Today she uses this opportunity to bring awareness to as well as try to actively create change as it relates to women empowerment, combating illiteracy, and sustainable tourism. The desire to make such a difference was watered by trips she was afforded into Guyana’s hinterland. “My job at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology has fortunately yielded travel to many hinterland communities in Guyana including Annai, Parishara, Aranaputa, Hiowa, Paramakatoi, Rewa, Apoteri, Lethem, and Mahdia. I am particularly grateful because through these travels I found the place which makes my heart sing, and this is the community of Annai in the North Rupununi Savannahs. There is something about that crisp mountain air, the rustling of savannah grasses, the domineering view of Makarapan mountain, the occasional squawks of parrots in a nearby tree, the gentle smile and wave of an indigenous boy or girl passing from their farm; the sense of contentment and oneness with nature you cannot help but feel is a memory I hold nearest and dearest to me. The first time I had an indigenous dish called ‘bhaj-oo’ which is a soft chewy version of cassava bread, with fresh Aranaputa peanut butter and jamoon jam, (served with a hot cup of lemongrass tea) is a close second,” she reminisced.
Speaking on her intended project, Raveena said, it “… will be two-fold but centred on women empowerment through literacy. Through my travels to the interior, a lack of access to basic educational supplies and recreational texts was evident because of the remote locations.
As an avid reader, I understand how books can be eye-openers, boost creativity and create confidence…, so I wanted to create a literacy initiative for the donation of books which would be set up in schools, this would teach children to not only value books (as they would have to be returned in good conditions) but also nurture a love for reading. The second part of my project was also inspired by interactions with indigenous youths and by my own experiences. I’ve heard from many young indigenous people that transitioning to life on the coast can be challenging, as well as a culture shock. In my own experiences of living as an independent young woman, there were several changes and lessons I had to learn the hard way as well. If only there was a tangible guide, I thought, so I had an epiphany and thought a guide book which is specific to the challenges young independent Guyanese women may face would be just what the doctor ordered.”
Recently, the dancer contributed to a book which is a collection of short stories by Guyanese writer Tiffany Manbodh titled Blooming through Adversity that is expected to be out in June this year. Inspired by this, she realized she could accomplish her book through a collaborative effort. She plans to reach out to outstanding Guyanese women who are experts and role models in their own fields to share their insights, experiences and tips on particular topics. These will cover areas such as how to start a business, appropriate dress for various occasions, etiquette, self-defence techniques, how to build self-confidence, and so on. To get a bit more creative and fun, she plans to work with an illustrator.
Among her many travel experiences, Raveena also visited Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica. Her trip to Barbados is her most memorable to date and an extra special one as she went with her mother and sisters which they dubbed a girls’ trip. It served to strengthen the bond they share and provided the adventure to explore and luxuriate.
A dancer for eight years, Raveena is a member of the Jewan ka Nritya Dance group. It is no surprise therefore that she will be doing a dance for the talent category. Paul Charles, who will be representing Guyana at the same pageant in the Mr category and who is also a seasoned dancer is currently working along with Raveena as she prepares. In addition, the dancer is being trained by personal trainer, Yannick Grimes.
While dancing is a passion, it is not the only one. Raveena also likes travelling, exploring and eating. In her quiet moments, she likes to read and paint. However, her limited free time is often spent playing with her niece, nephew, and the children on her block. They spend time cooking, painting and sometimes hanging out at the seawall.
Considered someone who is adventurous, empathetic, and phenomenal, this is what the former St Stanislaus student had to say when asked what she wishes her legacy to be. “To borrow words from the great Maya Angelou, ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.’ Whether I have left a legacy or not is not of particular importance to me, the most important thing would be to be kind and to genuinely help others in any way I can, to know that I have done all I could to create a better world and to be happy in my choices.”
