Five selected for Miss World Guyana finale next month

The Miss World Guyana 2024 national competition has embraced a format that the organisers say blends a virtual selection process with limited in-person events, focusing on quality over quantity.

“This innovative approach ensures that each candidate meets stringent eligibility criteria while also undergoing comprehensive training in Miss World protocols, regulations, and standards,” a release from the organisers said recently.

Phase one of the competition, which has already been completed, saw five young women chosen to go forward from a group of ten – one from each region. They were selected for their dedication, passion, and representation of Guyana’s core values, the release said.

Lieve Blanckaert

It revealed that the contestants moving forward are Naheeryah

Naheeryah Naiomi Newland

Naiomi Newland – Miss World Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Lieve Blanckaert – Miss World Demerara-Mahaica, Rachael Mohabir – Miss World  East Berbice-Corentyne, Diana Lopez – Miss World Potaro-Siparuni, and Zalika Samuels – Miss World Upper Demerara-Berbice.

On December 8th the five will face off in the grand finale of the competition, which will be held in the form of a Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) Charity Gala at the Ramada Princess Hotel, the release said. There they will showcase their service projects and celebrate their contributions to the community. “The evening will also feature the official handover of the crown by Andrea King, the reigning Miss World Guyana, as she passes the baton to a new queen who will represent Guyana on the international stage,” the release said.

Rachael Mohabir

It is expected that before December 8th the five finalists will represent their regions through a series of multimedia challenges and daily updates about their journey on designated regional pages. This phase will commence with the in-person competition on December 1, 2024, and conclude on December 8th.

Apart from participating in multimedia challenges, candidates will launch their BWAP projects, receive further training across all aspects of the competition, and benefit from ongoing mentorship and public appearances. Their dedication and embodiment of the Miss World Guyana values position them to make a significant impact, the organisers said.

Diana Lopez

According to the organisers the gala promises to be a night of celebration, highlighting charity, service, purpose, leadership, and empowerment and reinforcing Miss World Guyana’s mission to inspire and uplift.

And for candidates who participated in this year’s virtual application process but were not selected for the in-person competition, the organisers encouraged them to remain engaged and continue their journey.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BWAP legacy, a milestone celebrated in honour of Rafieya Husain, whose victory in 2014 underscored the importance of service and community impact—a principle deeply woven into the ethos of the Miss World competition.

Zalika Samuels

Applications for the 2025 Miss World Guyana competition are now open, inviting aspiring young women to begin their preparations for the coming year.

“Miss World Guyana remains dedicated to empowering young women through personal development, leadership, and service. We proudly serve as a platform that showcases the beauty, resilience, and culture of Guyanese women on the world stage,” release said.

For more information, ticket availability and updates, please visit www.missworldguyana.gy.