By Deneita Fredericks
Lisa Narine’s journey from a rural upbringing to becoming Miss Universe Guyana, which will soon take her onto a global stage, highlights her unwavering determination and commitment to becoming an advocate for women’s empowerment.
Narine hails from the West Bank Demerara, where she grew up with her parents and her older brother. She described her childhood as filled with love, laughter, and a strong sense of community. “I grew up in a close-knit family, where values like respect, humility, and perseverance were instilled in me from a young age,” she shared.
Her passion for pageantry has been with her since she was a little girl. As a child, she was captivated by its glamour and hoped to one day walk in the footsteps of her mother, who had entered pageants.
She began her education at Two Brothers Primary School and then West Demerara Secondary. After completing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams, she embarked on a career as a creative coordinator and a radio host, while attaining a diploma in Business and Marketing. Currently she is pursuing a degree in International Relations at the University of Guyana.
Having entered the Miss Universe Guyana pageant, Narine faced challenges that tested her limits. She recalled having to learn to balance pageantry, work and her studies as she is currently in her final year at the university.
The new queen also opened up about her preparation, describing the training, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude required to succeed. “The most challenging moments were the times when I had to push myself beyond my limits. It’s not just about looking beautiful; it’s about being a confident, empowered woman ready to make a difference. The training sessions, early morning workouts, and long hours of preparation… There were times when I questioned my ability to persevere,” she admitted. “But I had a strong support system. My family, friends, and mentors stood by me, encouraging me to keep pushing forward.”
Narine revealed that the pageant experience allowed her to discover her strengths and areas for personal growth. “It’s not just about looking beautiful on the outside; it’s about inner beauty, confidence, and a desire to make a positive impact,” she explained. “I’ve learned that true beauty comes from being authentic and compassionate.”
One of the key messages she wants to convey to young girls in Guyana is the importance of self-belief. “I want them to know that they are capable of achieving their dreams, no matter how big they may seem,” she emphasised. “… A lot of people think it’s just about going up on stage and you know, wearing a beautiful gown. But the heart of pageantry is in your cause in the women’s self-development, and their ability to go out as young leaders and to make an impact because that is what we’ve been missing in Miss Universe.”
Narine was formally introduced to pageantry when she entered Miss India Guyana, where she placed first runner up. “I thought it was a beautiful way of expressing culture. Preserving culture, and also to get in touch with a little bit more of the positive aspects in what it entails. The road to any title, especially one as prestigious as Miss Universe Guyana, is strewn with challenges,” she said.
“… Growing up, being a teenager, I didn’t think about that… Until like, I got into all of these different activities. I was dancing, I was modelling and I said, hey, you know, I want to and I was introduced formally to it. So apart from watching it on TV and saying, oh my god, this is amazing. This is something I would love to do.”
Representing Guyana
With Guyana’s rich and diverse culture as her backdrop, she is eager to showcase her country’s heritage on the global stage. “Guyana has so much to offer, from its vibrant festivals to the heart of the people. I want the world to see the beauty and richness of our culture,” she noted.
However, her dreams extend beyond the pageant world. She shared her aspirations for the future, including her desire to work on projects that address issues close to her heart. “I’m passionate about education and women’s empowerment. I want to use this platform to support causes that make a positive impact on society,” she added.
Her views on pageantry mainly focus on women and their intellectual merit and their ability to be both personalities. “So that’s how I see it out. Putting well-rounded young women into the world and creating opportunities for them so that they can use that platform to further enhance themselves and their communities.”
With the Miss Universe competition on the horizon, she remains focused and determined. She sees this as a unique opportunity to break stereotypes and redefine beauty pageants.
When asked about her role models, Miss Universe Guyana highlighted her family as her greatest source of inspiration. “My parents have always been my pillars of strength,” she shared. “They taught me the value of hard work, determination, and compassion. Their unwavering support has been my driving force.”
In addition to her family, Narine looks up to strong, accomplished women who have blazed trails in various fields. “Women like Catriona Gray [Miss Universe 2018] who left an indelible mark on the world,” she said. “Their stories inspire me to strive for greatness and to use my voice for positive change.”
As she prepares to represent Guyana on the international stage, she remains grounded and focused on her mission. She understands the responsibilities that come with the crown and the expectations of her fellow Guyanese citizens. “I carry the hopes and dreams of Guyana with me,” she affirmed. “I want to make our nation proud and show the world the beauty of our culture and the strength of our people.”
The 72nd Miss Universe pageant, to be held in El Salvador on 18 November 2023.
