Miss Cayman Islands Universe, Georgina Kerford, and Miss World Cayman Islands, Rashana Hydes, returned home on Friday, following two separate pageant journeys.
Kerford touched down from Israel, where she competed against 80 other Miss Universe contestants earlier this month. Meanwhile, Hydes returned from the abruptly postponed Miss World competition in Puerto Rico, where she is expected to return for competition in March.
Both queens spoke highly of their experiences representing the Cayman Islands abroad, despite the difficulties created by COVID.
“It was beautiful. It was more than I bargained for. I am very grateful for the opportunity but I am very happy to be home and celebrate Christmas here in the Cayman Islands,” Kerford said after deplaning at the Owen Roberts International Airport, where she was accompanied by members of the local Miss Universe committee.
At only 18, Kerford (along with Miss Universe British Virgin Islands Xaria Penn) was the youngest contestant in this edition of the pageant. Kerford shone in the preliminary evening gown and swimsuit competitions, and commanded the stage in her breathtaking, colourful banana orchid national costume, designed by Danielle Watler.
“The best part of it was being able to shout ‘Cayman Islands!’ on stage. And I am happy to attract more news from Cayman. Now people know where we are and who I am.”
Both Kerford and Hydes saw their pageants impacted by COVID-19. While Kerford unexpectedly found herself in Israel without her full support team, due to travel restrictions, Hydes saw her competition cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Puerto Rico.
“It was incredible. It was also the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I look forward to going back in March, in the next 90 days, to complete the journey,” Hydes said.
“It is an honour to represent Cayman and meet other women from different countries and share the Caymankind experience with them as well.”
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