Miss Trinidad and Tobago World 2007

I just thought I should post some pics of MT&TW07 that were taken when she was crowned. The pics are unphotoshopped and I must apologise for any poor lighting. For those who don't know, MT&Torg was not planning to have a rep to MW07 earlier this year because they were not receiving any financial support from the corporate sector. The T&T Tourism and Development company later stepped in and pledged support to train and send a rep. to MW07. As such MT&T screenings and the finals were held within about a 12 hrs period at a small venue since the pageant company did not want to waste precious funds on an elaborate event-so as I said before, please excuse the poor lighting in the pics and also the simplicity of the stage.

Source: Newsday (T&T newspaper)
Valene ready for China
By VERDEL BISHOP Thursday, October 25 2007

BEAUTY AND brains can go hand in hand. However, Valene Maharaj, this country’s representative for Miss World 2007 has taken it a notch higher – she is a beauty with brains, a soft heart and a sweet tooth.

With less than a week before she flies out to Sanya, China, Valene is excited and brimming with confidence.

“It is a great honour to represent my country and I am doing all that I can to stand out and shine for TT,” she told Newsday.

The 21-year-old Claxton Bay beauty said she has grown considerably since being chosen to represent this country.

“I know there is nothing such as perfection but there is as close to perfection as possible and that is what I strive for, to be the best in every area,” she said.

That enthusiasm and confidence is shared by franchaise holder Peter Elias who said he was excited about her growth over her months of preparation for the international beauty pageant.

He told Newsday it was the result of a team effort.

“What has allowed this to be as rewarding a task as it’s been has been Valene’s enthusiasm and dedication, coupled with financial assistance from Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams.

“This has not been the hand-to-mouth, scotch-taping-together scenario it sometimes is. Though the team is drowning in pageant preparations and limited by budgets and other restraints, it has been a much less stressful journey,”Elias said.

Valene’s commitments go way beyond preparations for the pageant. She is also deeply involved in preparations for an auction of art by the children of St Mary’s Children’s Home, a charity programme she undertook themed “Paint Your Dreams”, which she holds close to her heart.

Valene said she is proud of the children at St Mary’s Home and is expecting the auction, which takes place on October 28, to be a great success.

“The children have all worked hard, and they had so much fun. I have plans to continue working with them even after the pageant,” she said. The svelte beauty, who is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 105 pounds, first entered the Miss Trinidad and Tobago competition more than a year ago, but ended up as runner-up to Keneisha Thom, who went on to represent TT at the Miss Universe pageant.

She was crowned Miss TT/World following a competition at Club Zen last May. Miss World 2007 will be held at the Crown of Beauty Theater, in Sanya, China on December 1. Delegates are expected in Sanya by November 2. They will visit a number of popular spots in mainland China and view preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games. Unlike 2005 and 2006 editions, Miss World 2007 will not have continental zones in the selection of the semi-finalists — all the contestants will vie for the semifinals spots. The format is similar to that used in Miss World 2004 with the exclusion of the Miss Congeniality award.

Though this gown will not be the one Valene wears on the final night, this will be the one that Trinidad & Tobago will compete in to hopefully win the Best Evening Gown Award.
The dress was designed by Bobby Ackbarali. The gown is made of peau de sois...the upper portion is a combination of delicate straps with a defined bra cup and a princess empire line, the gown becomes a full A-line with a sweep train at the back.

Valene has created for the 'Beauty with a Purpose' Fast Track event, an initiative called 'Paint your Dreams'. It is an effort to create and provide an avenue for children to express themselves through their exposure to the creative arts.
Children from the St Mary's Home where Valene has implemented this pilot project over the last 4 months, decorated the gown with their own hand prints.

"It's meant to symbolize the hands of the future....these are hands of love, honesty, kindness, creativity, freedom and charity." says Valene.

"These hands symbolize hope for the future of the World."

After being painted, it was then bejeweled with swarovski crystals.
SOURCE- Miss Trinidad & Tobago Organization
Info and pics found at http://www.TridentBeauties.org
Thanks MITO!

Valene along with members of the MT&TWorg that helped prepare her to represent our twin island republic. God bless you all!