First Miss SVG winner also represented us at Miss World 1986

ONE NEWS- PAGEANT CORNER

By Renitta Peters-Morris. Updated 6:00 p.m., Sunday, October 23, 2022, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Mrs. Renitta Peters-Morris is the Pageant Coordinator, of the Miss Windward pageant. She is also an academic mentor and is completing her EdD.

Mandy Haydock was crowned Miss Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 1986 making her the first queen to use the new title. Mandy details her time as the reigning queen and shared her experience with Pageant Corner. It is interesting to note that Mandy represented the country at Miss World 1986. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was last represented at an international pageant in 2006 at Miss Universe. The time may very well be now for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to resume-sending representatives on the world stage at pageants such as Miss World and Miss Universe. Certainly these outings though costly, will serve as marketing tools for the country.

Mandy participated in an interview with Pageant Corner and shared the below information with us.

What was it like preparing for the pageant?

It was really an amazing experience. My friend Rachel Stephens (one of the contestants) and I laughed when we were approached to enter the show and then the next thing I know, she agreed to enter. So I decided to go along for the fun of it. It was a tremendous experience, I learnt a lot about myself, my country and I made some life-long friends with the other contestants, some of whom I am still friends with some 36 years later.

What activities did you participate in pre-show?

Contestants made the usual guest appearances at various functions. In 1986, the show was changed from a Miss St. Vincent & the Grenadines Carnival Queen Show to the Miss St. Vincent & the Grenadines Beauty Pageant. There was a preliminary show in April where six finalists from twelve contestants were selected for the final show in the summer.

Who was your chaperone?

I had many chaperones as I entered two separate shows. Joy Sprott, Sonia Sprott and Rosie Dereck served as chaperones for the preliminary show.  For the main show, my chaperone was June DeNobriga-Huggins. During my reign as Ms. SVG, Charmaine Brisbane and Ferne Cato performed chaperone duties for overseas shows. 

How important is the contestant/chaperone relationship?

The contestant/chaperone relationship is extremely important. A chaperone is there to guide you and ensure that you are prepared for all aspects of the show.  A chaperone should be brutally honest with you at all times, guiding you step by step, supporting you, ensuring you are organized and prepared for your appearances and shows as well as providing emotional support when necessary.

What was the experience like on the night of the pageant?

It was an absolutely awesome experience!  I knew I was prepared, but I was not sure I would actually win.  I think after my talent performance went down so well, it really gave me the confidence I needed to carry me through the remainder of the show.  Lots of emotions bottled up with the best ending I could have hoped for; being crowned Miss St Vincent & the Grenadines 1986!

How many categories of the pageant did you win?

I won the Best Talent and Best Evening Gown segments.

How was your reign as Miss SVG 1986?

I truly had an amazing year.  I was lucky to enter other pageants including Miss Carival, Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen in Antigua and Barbuda and Miss World 1986 where I travelled to Hong Kong, Macau and the UK to represent St. Vincent & the Grenadines.  I was also given the opportunity to travel with the Carnival Development Corporation to several islands in the Caribbean as they promoted the 10th Anniversary of Vincy Mas, moving from February to June/July.

What is your most memorable moment from your reign?

I think my participation in the Miss World 1986 pageant.  I met contestants from over 76 countries around the world, travelling sixteen hours from the UK to Hong Kong on my way to Macau for the filming of the swimsuit segment to then return to the UK (with swollen feet on the return flight due to the long flight), for the final pageant.  It was three weeks of intense training, guest appearances and participation; I truly loved it and it is an experience I will never forget. Not to forget my beautiful National Costume, “Carib Fusion” designed and built by Julian Pollard.

What would you say to the ladies who are vying for Miss SVG 2022 to be held end of October 2022?

Put your best foot forward, always be well prepared, enjoy the experience, and make lifelong friendships, but most of all have fun!

Share your final thoughts.

It was truly an honor to have been crowned Ms. St. Vincent & the Grenadines 1986 and represent my country is many pageants as well as being an ambassador, promoting my country worldwide.  I felt so proud to represent my beautiful country St. Vincent & the Grenadines.  These memories I will carry with me forever.

Stay tuned for more interviews as we continue the series on the road to the Royal Return – Miss SVG 2022.

One News SVG