Magnificent night of beauty

PETER ELIAS and Associates did not fail in their promise to deliver a pageant that was unlike any other, veering from the traditional format altogether. “The Magnificent Seven” attracted more than its fair share of celebrities, especially when Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins arrived moments before the scheduled 7 pm start. Also in attendance were President George Maxwell Richards, many politicians and members of the business community. There was even some comic relief as Gayelle personality Philomena corralled persons for interviews, including Cacique Award winner Wayne Berkley.

In the end, three of the seven were crowned on Sunday night: the Miss Earth crown went to Jenna Marie Andre (Miss Brav? Dang?), the Miss World representative is Tobago-born Kenisha Thom (Miss Dingolay) and the Miss Universe crown went to Cheryl Ankrah (Miss Comme Ci Comme Ca). For the opening number, the delegates appeared wearing huge, flouncy, puffy skirts and midriff-baring tops, escorted by barebacked male models carrying umbrellas. What was surprising was the fact that the outfits the women wore were made from white plastic. Moments after their exit, the group 3Canal came on doing their song “Ah Believe,” just before announcing that they were in fact hosting the show, and were not just the entertainment. From then onwards, the show proceeded without missing a beat.

Prizes were handed out for Best Personal Style (Cheryl Ankrah), Caribbean Warmth (Jenna Marie Andre) and Miss Photogenic (Shawna Maharaj). Ankrah also copped awards for Physical Beauty, Most “Put Together” and Quality of Life. The Best Hair award went to Nishant Pooran (Miss Colibri) while the Woman of Substance and Miss Gatorade Physique awards went to Kenisha Thom. Gayelle the Channel also gave internship prizes to two delegates, Shawna Maharaj, who will host Chantwell Time and Kenisha Thom who will host the Miss Dingolay Show. There were some funny moments during the show when the men in the audience were literally “sooting” some of the delegates as they went down the runway wearing swimsuits from the Inn Collection. The funniest moments occured during a video montage of the Gayelle production Fuh Real which exposed the delegates as they went about their training for the big night.

Jenna Marie Andre’s sleepy face drew the most laughs, as well as a segment where pageant co-ordinator Adrian Raymond gave them a sound “blow-out.” The best scene was the one where the girls gorged on Adrian’s birthday cake, which was pure chocolate! Past queens Magdelene Walcott (Miss TT World), Renee Sloane Seale (Miss Caraibes Hibiscus) and Miss Universe 2003 delegate Danielle Jones did a little dance of their own, dressed in black plastic dresses. There was also a segment where the women were interviewed by Errol Fabien (who said, “Ah feeling like a Yi-yon!”) as he sat between them. He quizzed them on their favourite musical icon or artiste. Kenisha’s choice was the Mighty Shadow: “He may not have gotten that international recognition, but his songs reflect the realities of daily life.”

This drew thunderous applause. Jenna Marie educated the crowd on the late Andre Tanker’s music, stating that although it is not being played on MTV, it has surely caught international attention. Unusual to some, Shawna identified with Machel Montano and gave a nod to 3Canal as well, commending them on their hosting of the show. It was then on to the question segment where the delegates had to give an interpretation of a Sundiata Stewart painting.

In-between the programme segments, patrons were treated to fashion displays by Meiling, Prem, Simply Garnet, Xantash, Zadd and Eastman, D’ Cottage and Peter Elias, whose presentation included two Indian dancers. Contestants were judged by Donna Cox, Vishnu Dhanpaul, Barbara Mouttet, Bobby Ackbarali, Carla Foderingham, Suzanne Sabeeney, Yvonne Popplewell, Calvin French, Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam and chief judge Dominic Kalipersad.