Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
They come from diverse backgrounds, all overcoming struggles of abuse, teenage pregnancy and crime, yet, delegates from the Mrs Universe Trinidad and Tobago pageant have united with a singular mission to help women overcome domestic violence.
Not to be confused with the Miss Universe pageant, national director Alveada Meah said Mrs Universe T&T is now in its 47th year and has delegates who are married, divorced or widowed, from across the world.
It’s the second time T&T is competing and contestants will represent their country when the pageant takes place in South Korea in October.
Yesterday, the delegates met with Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo, before walking down High Street to meet residents and business owners. Meah said the delegates are between the ages of 18 and 55. They all have a family, and a career and are committed to a charitable cause.
Mayor Mayrhoo lauded the delegates, expressing hope that the competition would catalyse change within communities.
“I encourage each delegate to continue advocating for social justice, upliftment, and empowerment in our districts,” he said.
The delegates, each with their own stories of triumph over adversity, pledged to make a difference.
Avalon Felix-Semper, speaking passionately about her journey as a survivor of domestic violence, emphasised the importance of leading by example. She said she wanted to use her personal experiences to empower others.
Sheneil Kimkeran, who got pregnant at 17, also shared her story. As a mother of two who faced more challenges when she got divorced, Kimkeran, 25, had a message of hope for other women.
“Your children are not a setback; they are the reason why you can achieve your dreams. Use your children to motivate you. Create a support system. The Single Mothers Association helped me a lot. I am not advocating teenaged pregnancy but if you do find yourself in this situation, it is not the end of the world. You can overcome 110 per cent like I did,” she asserted.
Astrid Morillo, a Venezuelan national now residing in Trinidad, said she was eager to use the platform to make a positive impact.
“After my baby, my body changed, and my lifestyle changed, but you can still follow your dreams, just as I am doing,“ she declared.
Melissa John-Ramsubhagh, driven by a desire to combat domestic violence and poverty, urged others not to lose hope.
“When you have support from your family, you can overcome any obstacle,” she affirmed. Dianne Mollino, reflecting on her upbringing in Moruga, credited her community for shaping her into the woman she is today. “I am a result of the village which came together to raise me,” she acknowledged.
And Sarah Inderlal, hailing from Crown Trace, Enterprise, a community shattered by crime, shared her aspiration to be a beacon of hope for her community.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from; it matters where you go,” she proclaimed.
Wendy Thomas, representing Cascade, echoed the sentiment of offering inspiration, while Rehyan Francois, representing Tacarigua, spoke of her journey to overcome self-confidence issues.
“I decided to put myself in uncomfortable situations to overcome my challenges,” she revealed.
The delegates will compete for the title of Mrs Universe Trinidad and Tobago on May 30 at Dennis P Ramdhan Complex in Couva.