PRETTY GIRL

Miss Earth 2011


BIOGRAPHY:

Information to be posted

INTERVIEW:

What environmental project will you create to promote the protection of Mother Earth and why?

I believe littering is an aspect of everyday life that greatly affects our environment; hence I would like to promote a pilot project which centers around sensitizing young persons on the dangers of littering and waste management in the communities. The objective would be to raise awareness in an attempt to get young persons more actively involved in clean up projects in their homes, schools and their community, emphasizing the great need for such management. In addition encourage voluntary partnership among corporate bodies, other environmental organizations, and schools to be part of an "ongoing" process.

What makes you proud of the country you are representing, and what can you promote about your country?

I love my country! There are many aspects which makes me proud to be a "trinibagonian". However the main feature which makes my country such a uniquely beautiful place is our harmonious multi-cultural society. The different ethnicities, cultures, races, traditions and religions surely make Trinidad and Tobago a wonderful place. My country is commonly referred to by the world over as the "melting pot". Our people recognize and most of all RESPECT each other's traditions and values and even partake in the various religious festivities with much enthusiasm and love. As our national anthem proudly says: "side by side we stand" and "where every creed and race finds an equal place".

Our diverse, exotic and delectable cuisine such as: callaloo, curry crab and dumpling, pelau, doubles just to name a few, our pulsating rhythmic music like: soca, chutney, kaiso, and calypso, our many breath-taking tourist attractions and natural wonders of our soil: the soothing enchanting waters of the Argyle Waterfalls, the home of one of our National Birds - The Caroni Bird Sanctuary, the largest freshwater wetland which was designated a "Wetland of International Importance" under the Ramsar Convention known as the Nariva Swamp, the magnificent natural gem of our land the Buccoo Reef etc., our vibrant and energetic Carnival celebrations, The Hindu Festival of Lights commonly known as Diwali and the National instrument - The Steelpan, are some of the fundamental aspects of my country of sweet T&T which I would promote.

Describe your childhood/growing years.

I remember being very tom-boyish in my early years as a child, though I am the 2nd child in my family, which comprises of an older sister and a younger brother. I was always a child on "the go" running around the immediate environs bare feet laughing and playing football, if not with myself but with my dad when he was not too busy working. I was one to always be helping my dad in the garage as he was a mechanic by trade. I remembered going to Sunday school every other Sunday with my siblings and Mum who had us girls dressed in frilly girly dresses with bows and stockings which at those times I was perturbed as I had much enjoyed wearing pants and tee-shirts instead. My mum was very influential and hence I had the "glorious" opportunity to say grace at the table every Sunday. I was a very outspoken young lady then at that tender age and not too welcomed my candid manner, but at the same time they recognized that I was very respectable to them. At school I was branded as the "class clown" as I always made jokes and disrupted class. My wild imagination enabled me to excel in creative writing and art.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?

I have learnt never to compare myself to others, as I did this constantly in my younger years. I learnt to be satisfied with whatever I had or was given. I was taught the importance of family time and the value of giving without expecting anything in return. I have learnt further that with true commitment, hard work and dedication comes your heart's wish and no matter the length of time it may take to achieve success that it will be realized, and most of all that family and love for God is of utmost importance.

What is your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment was when I won a calypso competition at school. the song entitled "My Big Sister" was composed by my father, my sister and my self. I was only in Standard 2 then and when I heard that the school was having this competition I was eager to participate and when I got home I had discussed it with my Dad who was very supportive and we decided there and then to compose a song about my Big Sis & I. The lyrics and melody just came natural to us as we sat and composed the song. I practiced every night on my composure and delivery of the calypso and when I heard my name - "Marvelous Melanie" – which was my stage name being called as the winner in my age category I was elated and my grand prize was a MANDY doll, which was my very first doll. I was so astonished, and when I was asked for an encore I literally forgot the words. That was the most memorable moment in my life.

What is your environmental advocacy?

My environmental advocacy is harsher laws and penalties for persons engaging in illegal environmental activities with sustained enforcement of such laws. Further, as Miss EARTH T&T, I would like to be a role model as an environmental activist and lead by the example - following on the footsteps of those in authority in my country and channel such in sensitizing my people further to accept and make their "carbon footprint".


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