Miss T&T World Gabrielle WALCOTT strikes a pose during the swimsuit segment of the Miss T&T Pageant held on Sunday at the Zen Night Club in Port-of-Spain. Photos: David Wears

‘We Trinis always stand out’

Her first meeting with former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam left an indelible, impression on Walcott.

For this young woman, it was the stepping stone on her way to stardom and to conquering the world.

Walcott had one of her dreams realised on Sunday night when she was chosen to represent T&T in the Miss World Pageant in October, later this year.

She also won the People’s Choice award.

Walcott, 23, will vie for the Miss World crown as she competes with over 100 gorgeous young women in the Ukraine.

“I was 13 years old when I met Wendy. That was my first ever fashion show and she was stunning and beautiful. I have followed her career through the years ever since,” Walcott said in a telephone interview, yesterday.

“Wendy does a lot of charity work. That is what I want to do…I hope I can do the kind of charity work that she does. My father, who is a Catholic, loves her charity work.”

Walcott said preparing for the Miss T&T pageant was a lot of work.

“We worked everyday and I built my self-confidence. Although I felt a bit of nerves on the night of the competition, as the show went on, I felt a bit more comfortable,” she said.

Walcott said she would not let the upcoming Miss World competition daunt her.

“Each girl is unique. I am a Trini…we Trinis stand out,” Walcott said with a laugh.

She said she had gotten tons of support from her friends and family.

“My family is very excited and they have lots of advice to give,” Walcott said, adding that she was touched by the way the public embraced her.

“Thank you Jesus!” were the first words that came to the mind of Miss T&T World delegate Gabrielle Walcott when she got the judges nod.

She said: “When my name was called their was a tear in my eye. I was absolutely honoured, blessed and excited. Many queens have done well in the past and I hope to follow in their footsteps.”