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• How would you define "beauty?"
Beautiful people are those who are loved and admired for the great works they have done to improve the quality of life for all us. Nelson Mandela, Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Taylor are all beautiful. On a daily basis I notice older women who are not necessarily attractive but stand out as being beautiful because of their manner and experience.

• What were your reasons for joining the Miss Trinidad & Tobago pageant?
I always wanted to represent Trinidad and Tobago at an international competition and especially the people of my island of Tobago- the smaller of the two islands that make up Trinidad and Tobago, where I was born. The title comes a certain level of influence so even after your reign, there's a platform to promote your social and professional causes.

• How were you elected as Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe? Describe the judging process.
There was an open casting that was taped for television in a live-reality-styled program. 177 women showed up, after two days of competition a final group of 9 were selected and competed in three categories of competition that include the interview, swimsuit, evening gown competitions.

• What do you think are your qualities that helped you earn the judges' approval & the crown?
I think my interview was fun plus I'm told that I was engaging in my stage performance that may have given an edge. I represented T&T at the Miss World 2004 competition, which was a wonderful experience.

• Tell us about your preparations for the Miss Universe contest.
The Trinidad and Tobago pageant team has put together a comprehensive training program covering all the traditional areas of pageant preparations and some non-traditional areas. The idea here is to fully develop my character with a healthy sense of self.

• Any beauty queen/s that you really admire? Why?
Wendy Fitzwilliam, Lara Dutta and Irene Saez are some of my favorites. They've used their titles as platforms to push social cause issues and remain today as women of positive influence. On a more personal note, I remember the pageant in 1999 when Miss Philippines Miriam Quiambao fell during the presentation show and was able to get up with such a grace and dignity. This example of grace under pressure is inspiring.

• Describe your fashion sense and style.
My preference is 'comfort' so I love the easy separates and knock-offs at H&M (smiles...). For evening and of course the competition, my stylist intends to imitate the looks of de la Renta, Herrera and other masters of our region who celebrate fashion with a sense of Caribbean and colour. 

• How will you describe your country to your co-candidates at Miss Universe? 
The diversity of my country is unique. Our rich and varied culture allows one to experience food, music, architecture, fashion and customs from Europe, Africa, India, the Middle East and the Far East. You can relax on a beautiful beach, or party the night away to our riveting 'Soca' music.

• What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women?
I've been raised to recognize the fine line between self-respect and disrespecting one's self. The swimsuit portion is an empowering moment, which allows the delegate to connect with her audience reflecting her discipline, her self-confidence, and level of health and fitness. Ironically, this part of the competition relies most on one's inner beauty.

• Supposed there is a Genie who happens to be mad at you for a wrong deed committed and his punishment is to turn you into an animal for a year. You can't plead to alter his decision but you get to decide what type of animal you would become, what creature would you choose and why?
The amazing power of transformation in one's life, if one is open to change reminds me of butterflies. In many ways I do feel like a butterfly. They spend a good part of their life preparing for their destiny and then a day comes and then they're reborn as a beautiful winged creature that in turn helps to create new life by being an integral part of the pollination process.

• If it were your last day on earth, what would you eat & why?
I would want to prepare a wonderful meal with my family with lots and lots of desserts. I adore chocolate!

• Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by?
I am a work in progress. – I am constantly learning and growing.

• Aside from winning your title, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Becoming a more independent person has allowed me to see the world in a different way. It has also made me appreciate even more than ever my parents and all they've done for me.

• Do you think winning a beauty pageant is really important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Miss Trinidad & Tobago titleholder.
There is a national sense of pride and interest in Miss Trinidad & Tobago delegates. Essentially, you are a role model to the youth; I act as a peer educator on HIV/AIDS awareness with a focus on prevention. I also am required to do promotional campaigns for pageant sponsors, plus there are always a number of appearances and charity events that I attend. Never a dull moment! 

• Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms?
It's a job and you have one year to make a global impact with a celebrity title that's on loan to you. The challenge is to make your mark in your sphere of competence and preference so that you are in a position of influence long after your reign is over. 

• What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss T&T at Miss Universe 2006 pageant?
It will be an exciting and fashion forward presentation. I'm really looking forward to LA! 

• Finally, leave a message for your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology.
The ideology of the Miss Universe Pageant is to promote friendship and goodwill among delegates from nations all over the world. Maybe if more were aware and open to the ease of this ability, the world may be a different place?