Features
Newsday reporter
The Miss World TT pageant takes place on August 28 at The Brix Autograph Collection, Port of Spain with a casting call currently underway.
Girls between the ages of 18 and 25 are encouraged to apply, the top 15 will be chosen to undergo two months of fitness, speaking, modeling and other training regimens before being crowned a finalist, a media release said.
The Miss World TT pageant finalist will receive over $500,000 in cash and prizes, said Charu Lochan Dass, designer, new franchise holder and national pageant director of the Miss World Trinidad and Tobago pageant.
Since taking over the franchise, Lochan Dass along with the Volunteer Management Organizing Committee have partnered with corporate sponsors to secure cash and prize sponsorship for the domestic and international pageant in order to ensure that the Miss World TT Pageant is held in center of national attention.
“This year we celebrate a historic moment of the 60th anniversary of Independence. This competition is much more than a competition. It is about national service and instilling a sense of pride and patriotism in our young women. We love this country and as citizens we are proud of how far we have come. As such, we have relied on the goodwill of our corporate sponsors and are pleased to announce that for the first time ever, our Miss World Trinidad and Tobago delegate will receive over $500,000 in cash and prizes,” said Lochan Dass.
“West Bees Supermarket is contributing $100,000 in cash to the winner. The School of Accountancy and Management (SAMS Caribbean Ltd) will award a scholarship worth $10,000. Kalloo’s Auto Rentals will provide an executive driving service for major events throughout the year valued at over $50,000, with various local designers donating a complete wardrobe and accessories with over $200,000 of exquisite gowns and special pieces for the finale. The winner will also receive a carnival first line costume and beauty products for a year, the announcement states.
Plans are also in the works for an employment program for the crowned winner, which will allow him to represent the TT throughout the year, and not just at international events. She will become a face, a representative for all our people in the global space,” said Lochan Dass
The Miss World TT representative will also undergo training in modelling, speech, media, fitness, nutrition, protocol, dining etiquette and beauty from a host of top local coaches and mentors.
“We have partnered with D Rampersad & Company for the Talent competition and Salon Essentials will be sponsoring the Miss Photogenic award. Both Tribe Carnival and Signature Collection have agreed to sponsor prizes for the top three girls. We are currently identifying sponsors for other categories, including fitness, fitness and top model. Toyota Trinidad & Tobago Limited has also committed support to the venture.”
The Miss World TT Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) segment will be supported by a charity gala dinner, which is expected to generate funds for a one-year national project to support humanitarian work in local communities. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, through Trinidad Tourism Limited (TTL) will also partner with the local franchise.
The final will be held on November 6 at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA). Guardian Media Limited (GML) and will be broadcast live on CNC3, the release said.
Lochan Dass said, “We already have a number of exclusive sponsors like Flower Bar, Sacha Cosmetics, Lollabees, Fitness Centre, Kooties, The BRIX and others. Many leading photographers and content developers like Millennial Management, a young entrepreneurial group, are design virtual experiences.”
