Ms Talented TT shaping, developing young women

He said: “When I was 14/15 years, I would get my cousins during the July/August holiday and had everyone doing a test.

When we finished with the tests we would play Miss Universe. We would grab our mother’s sheets and make an evening gown with it.

It was from then come up.” “One of my friends had a show, Miss Diego Martin, and I judged that show and I then I said I am going to do a show for myself and that was when I started in 2001.” He is set to host another, Miss Talented TT Pageant at Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre, Ariapita Road, St Ann’s tomorrow.

For Ross hosting this is simply a wider part of aiding in the enhancement of people across the country. He said to Newsday, “I have been doing pageants since 2001. I have found myself encouraging people with different talents, whether it is in pageantry or karaoke, which I am also very active in.

For about 16 years, I have created forums for people to showcase their talent.

“Most of the time people have the talent and they don’t have the basic forum for development and exposure. I found myself doing it verbally and creating the platform for people to showcase their talent and allow them to develop.” The first Miss Talented TT was held last year also at Cascadia Hotel with Melissa McCallister being crowned Miss Talented TT . This year, 13 finalists were chosen to compete for the crown, with the hope that, “[you] train and develop them with the intention to have them move on to the national pageants to represent TT at the Miss World and Miss Universe competitions.” Last year’s winner, he said, went abroad during her reign but upon returning auditioned for the local Miss Universe screening and made it to the top 20.

While many might believe, pageants have no place in today’s world, Ross disagrees. For him pageants uplift and add to the self-esteem of those who participate.

He said: “Yes there is still a place for pageantry. I believe it is a stepping stone. Once you come here and you win a pageant, there is power in the crown. Everyone wants to be associated with a winner.” Being in pageants could branch an individual onto different career paths such as modelling and acting among others. But outside of that, Ross believes being in a pageant gives anyone that extra bit of self-confidence.

“To me it sums up to an area where it lends confidence to individuals.

That is why I have not only the Miss Talented TT but also the Miss Talented Mum, Miss Fabulous Plus, Mr Impressive and Little Miss Elegance... You can be beautiful if you’re a mum. Beauty continues after motherhood. You can be beautiful if you’re a man.

You can develop yourself, you can be confident.

“What we have found with a lot of the people who have been through the pageants. When they leave and you see them on the streets, even if they are casual, there is a certain image, there is a certain step and there is a certain confidence. There is a certain yes, I am going to go and launch out into what I always wanted to accomplish,” he added.

Ross has also handed over some of the franchises he developed to previous winners. While, eventually, he has hopes of doing grander and bigger pageants, Ross’ main focus at the moment is encouraging others and positive development.

The delegates would compete in the swimwear, evening gown and Q&A segments with judges assessing personality, looks and intelligence.

Winner of the previously held talent segment would also be announced. The 13 finalists are vying for a main prize of $10,000.

Tickets cost $125 in advance.

For more info: 321-3037.