No Miss World Guyana this year
The Miss World Guyana franchise holder Majesty International has cancelled the national competition for a second year in a row. The pageant which had been set for May 26 was originally rescheduled to July but owing to the ongoing uncertainty in the country, has now been cancelled. According to a release from Majesty International, the decision is owing to the prolonged quarantine and restrictions against social gatherings which continue to impact Guyana’s economy and the rest of the world at this point in time. Concerns over Guyana’s inconclusive electoral results have also influenced the decision.
“I am torn but hopeful; gutted but practical. At this point everything else is up to God,” National Director Natasha Martindale earlier this week.
“These unprecedented and unfortunate circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 virus and the effect it is having on all our lives is sad to say the least. However, our main priority for the organisation will always be to provide a safe environment for both our candidates and supporters. Moreover, as our national competition is not considered an essential business it would be inequitable to seek financial support or even approach our loyal partners/sponsors in this current climate,” the release said.
The organization took the opportunity to publicly apologize to the 2020 semifinalists, sponsors and devoted supporters and thank them for understanding.
One of the semifinalists, Jamicia Mc Calman said in a Facebook post, “Today, May 26, 2020 celebrates one year since I embarked on one of the most life-changing, lifealtering, and character-building journeys. [This past Tuesday] evening a new Miss Guyana would have been crowned. However, due to circumstances beyond our control we are unable to proceed with the competition. Though the journey has been interrupted my purpose has not…. This is simply a detour. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who would’ve supported me over the last year.”
Joylyn Conway was last year crowned Miss World Guyana after she was adjudged the most suitable representative for Guyana during a selection process by a panel of nine judges. There was no pageant last year owing to Majesty International needing more time to better prepare a representative for the international leg. At the Miss World Competition last year, Joylyn won two head-to-head challenges and made it to the Top 40.