| By Neil MarksAspiring forensic scientist, Tamika Henry, won the Miss Guyana Universe 2010 pageant just after midnight Sunday, in a competition that was lost to eccentric Trinidad cross-over band Karma.Ravi B and his sister, Nisha B, have established themselves as two of the most versatile artistes, and it is no wonder that they keep coming back to Guyana. But hold on, that new dude Gregory Ayuen is awesome! Move over Ravi B. Well, not really. But Gregory is good. The guy has moves; moves like Usher, raunchy pelvic thrusts and all, and the voice too. The youngster is supposed to be taking care of Soca for Karma, but he covers the best R&B artistes excellently, enough to have the ladies screaming.Tamika Henry during the evening gown competition.And who knew Nisha B could “Waka Waka” so good! She covered Shakira well. But what would Karma be without Chutney music? Ravi B emerged on stage with his most popular tunes such as “Rum is meh lover” and “Dularie Nanny”. The hundreds obeyed graciously when the call came to “screw the bulb, screw the bulb.”The actual pageant got going two hours late, so there was the usual grumbling. But those in the VIP area (and a good few hundred paid the $4000) seemed not too bothered. Gorgeous young ladies (and those not so young too) pranced around in the latest fashion. What else to do on a fabulous night out?The pageant started with the eight contestants in bikinis to a dance routine that missed the choreography. The music was good though, good enough to bring some energy to the beautiful atmosphere of the Princess Hotel Poolside.The contestants went backstage and then a trumpeter came on stage to entertain. He was good.Aubrey Mann then came on stage. He is listed as an internationally recognised artiste. He left Guyana 40 years ago. But the man has depth and a whole lot of soul.Some time later, the contestants were back on stage – in bikinis again. Not that anyone was complaining.Rushauna Harris was the first contestant up and she held her own. She owned the catwalk, and never let go of it. She knew,Arizona Diamondbacks Gregor Blanco Jersey, if nothing else,Throwback Jerseys, that she had to nail this part of the competition and this she did. Her confidence never wavered and this showed in her glowing smile. She did own the swimsuit competition, walking away with the prize for the most beautiful body. However,Cheap Jerseys Online, when it came down to where it really matters, she stumbled on the final question and that put her at the last among the final five contestants.Harris and 20-year-old Crystal Benn stood out as Henry’s competitor for the night. But all along, it seemed certain that the crown would land on the head of the 22-year-old.Henry, 22, aims to become a forensic scientist,Wholesale Cheap Jerseys, and delivering on a scholarship to the University of Miami proved she is serious about her career path.University already allowed her to show that she was also serious about pageantry, competing in the Miss University of Miami pageant in 2009.But here, she was going for the big one and she had an easy task. She played it cool all night, punctuated her appearances on stage with bits of sassiness, high energy, and a gorgeous smile. The gown was beautiful too, and no surprise, it was adjudged the best gown of the evening.Once Henry was in the Top Five, it was almost a done deal that she would take the top prize and head off to Las Vegas for the Miss Universe pageant. During the question and answer segment on live TV, she proved quick on her feet.Asked whether men respected women,Deion Sanders Falcons Jersey, she said in some cases yes, pointing to the fact men provide and protect their families. But she also pointed to the fact that in some cases men don’t respect women.That answer and her overall performance for the night earned her the title and $2.5 million in cash and prizes.Benn,Bobby Orr Jersey, 20, who wants to become the first surgical nurse in Guyana, settled for second place. She was a strong contender but fell short when it meant the most.The other finalists were Xandra Pierre, Crystelle Mervin and Melissa Carter. Natasha Smith, Cindy Craig and Marsha Chester were the other contestants.As the new Miss Guyana Universe, Henry stands to benefit from $2.5 million in cash and prizes plus the right to represent Guyana at the Miss Universe pageant billed for the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas on August 23. |
