On May 26, 2018 Guyana celebrates 52 years of Independence. This year the Miss World Guyana competition winner, set for May 25, will also be dubbed the Independence Queen so I sat down with the finalists to dish on their pageant prep. Miss World emphasizes more than just physical beauty, but rather focuses heavily on philantrophy through Beauty with a Purpose. As a former pageant winner, I've been through the "you're just a pretty face with no brains" criticism and it upsets me greatly when people make that assumption about women. The finalists set the record straight on beauty, body image, bullying, fitness and even STEM careers for women. It's hard to pick a favourite!

Tamika Henry