Medical student Rafeeza Mohamed was crowned Miss Region One on Saturday last at the Mabaruma Settlement Ground after she wowed the judges with her elegance, poise and confidence despite it being her first time. Rafeeza’s platform for the pageant suicide.
The 20-year-old young woman, who is originally from the community of Barimanobo, explained that initially when she had seen a post about the competition, she had jokingly told her aunt that she should compete. However, her aunt thought it was a splendid idea and urged her to reach out to the pageant coordinator since she was living in Kaneville, East Bank Demerara at the time.
After reaching out and learning that her place of abode would not be an issue, she decided to apply. Looking back now, she believes it was one of the best decisions she has made, as it has completely changed the trajectory of her life.
“It’s not about beauty alone but about young ladies stepping up in the region to leave a legacy and impact on young people and older folks,” Rafeeza stressed.
Her journey to the big stage, she said, was not an easy one. When there was one week left before the pageant the work became very intense for the six contestants, but it was all worth it in the end, Rafeeza said.
“The journey was not an easy one. But it really built me and I really grew from it,” she stressed.
According to her, although she became overwhelmed at some points, she believes it was her confidence that really shone through and secured her the coveted title of Miss Region One.
She then explained that prior to the pageant, an empowerment forum was held which offered the majority of the points. Rafeeza believes it was there that she stepped up to the plate and delivered. The positive comments which she received after speaking at the forum were an immense boost to her confidence and at that time she needed that since she was somewhat nervous, she recalled.
On the evening of the pageant, she said, “I did everything confidently and I was successful. It was
unbelievable… I just felt I could have been a voice despite not having any modelling skills.”
She thanked the pageant coordinator, her family, friends, designer, sponsor and church members for their collective support throughout her journey.
Now that she is Miss Region One, Rafeeza hopes to embark on a number of projects. She said that during her time off from medical school she will be returning to the region regularly to conduct forums to bring awareness to suicide.
She hopes to meet with as many people as possible, especially youths, to speak with them and encourage them not to give up despite what life throws their way. She hopes to stress to youths that “they are not alone” and to be a guiding light in their lives if needed.
She hopes to also have more of a holistic approach as she plans to include the other contestants and their platforms in her seminars and outreaches.
Additionally, Rafeeza, who enjoys adventure, will be given the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of her region and learn the inner workings of the sub districts.
She said she is considering competing in the Miss Guyana Amerindian Heritage pageant next. “I believe I can really make an impact out there. I have the confidence,” she added.
Her advice to other young women contemplating competing in pageants is that they should just go for it. “It’s not that you have to have a perfect body. I just believe as long as you are intelligent and can speak you have what it takes… Many of us have voices. If we can just step out and try to make an impact we can do it,” she said.
She recalled that initially she was somewhat focused on her body as she thought that she was too slim to take part in a pageant but discovered during her journey that body type does not really matter.
Rafeeza, who is also a youth leader at her church, also enjoys reading and writing, spoken word and poetry.
Touching on her dream to one day become a doctor, she said it was something she inherited from her grandfather. Although she never met him, she said, her mother always told her that he had wanted to become a doctor but was not able to due to certain circumstances.
She noted that the life of a medical student is not an easy one but she is motivated to complete her journey, stressing that she is someone who always remains focused on the task at hand. “I’ve always been like that. I have something I want to achieve and I’ll always stay focused,” she said.
Rafeeza, who is the eldest of seven siblings, also pointed out that she is a trailblazer for her family as none of her relatives thus far have been able to further their education. “When I look down the line of my aunts and other relatives, nobody went that far in school and I’m happy that with their support I am able to,” she said.
She also called on youths throughout Guyana to not be a statistic of crime in their communities, but to “stand up” and be impactful in a positive light. She said that although Kaneville is known for gangs and crimes, “I didn’t allow the statistics of the community to bring me down.”
