This year’s Miss Universe Cayman Islands contestants took part in a sashing ceremony on Friday evening, in the run-up to the annual international beauty pageant.
Mili Almaguer, 19, of West Bay; Ileann Powery, 25, of West Bay; Sydonie Barrett, 28, of George Town; and Tracey Campbell, 19, of Bodden Town donned their sashes bearing the names of their sponsors at the all-white ceremony at the Marriott hotel. The fifth contestant, Ayana Woolery, 19, of George Town, was off island and unable to attend, organisers said.
One of these five contestants will represent the Cayman Islands in the Miss Universe pageant on 18 Nov. in El Salvador.
The winning contestant will be chosen at a ceremony at the Westin hotel on 26 Aug.
The platform of this year’s local pageant is anti-bullying, with the support of local foundation United Against Bullying.
Derri Lee, organiser of Miss Universe Cayman Islands, explained in her speech at the sashing event that the organisation had chosen the foundation this year “because of the widespread bullying that our young people continue to face especially on social media”.
She added, “It shouldn’t become the norm here in the Cayman Islands. There are regulations in place for bullying in our schools and I believe it’s in the works for the work place, but absolutely nothing is being done with social media where people in the community are targeted based on infactual statements. I believe that we need to bring more awareness to this issue that seems to be trending and accepted by some.”
About the contestants
The following are excerpts from biographies of each contestant, which can be found on the Miss Universe Cayman Islands Facebook page.
Sydonie Barrett
Born and raised in George Town, Grand Cayman, Barrett holds a Bachelor of Law with International Studies and a Master of Law in Professional Legal Practice. After receiving a full legal scholarship from local law firm Harney Westwood and Riegels, she pursued legal studies in the UK.
She works as a policy and development officer at the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority advising on financial regulations.
She is a recipient of the ‘Proud of Them’ award in the academics category and was the leader of the opposition in the 5th Youth Parliament. In 2019, she became the first Caymanian to enter and win Miss Caribbean UK. In 2021, she placed first runner-up in the Miss World Cayman Islands pageant.
Barrett enjoys being active in her community and volunteers regularly with various organisations, which began in high school through Key Club and Book Mobile. While studying at the University of Surrey, she was an executive member of the People and Planet Society. She continues to volunteer with the NCVO and Meals on Wheels.
Ayana Woolery
Ayana Woolery is an honours graduate of John Gray High School and she is currently attending the University College of the Cayman Islands, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in business administration.
She has always been interested in exploring and experiencing the working world without limitations in order to carve out a fulfilling career path for herself.
She has experience as a reservation coordinator in the hospitality industry and as a compliance intern in the banking industry
She also owns and manages her own security company alongside her family members.
Mili Almaguer
Mili Almaguer, who graduated from high school early through online education, is pursuing an accredited mental health certificate to help support friends and family and explore different types of mental illnesses, while embarking on an internship in the anti-money laundering field.
She believes in the power of manifesting one’s life goals through a combination of hard work and determination. One of her most significant personal triumphs was successfully overcoming depression during her youth.
Understanding the importance of raising awareness and providing support, she is committed to fostering resilience and assisting others in surmounting life’s challenges. To address these critical issues within her community, she envisions establishing a non-profit organisation in the near future.
Ileann Powery
Ileann Powery is a national volleyball player, who has traveled to 11 countries and competed in 19 international tournaments through the sport.
She recently became a member of the Cayman Islands Folk Singers and says she feels honoured to be able to carry on one aspect of preserving Caymanian heritage through this platform.
She is the owner of iPow Creations, a local business that provides photography and videography services to its clients.
Tracey Campbell
Tracey Campbell is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, from a very young age.
She graduated from Cayman Prep and High School in 2021 and attended UCCI.
She currently works at Diamonds International and plans to continue her studies to become a real estate agent.
She is an avid gym-goer, footballer and softballer. She has been playing football since she was 7 years old and travels abroad a few times a year to participate in tournaments.
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