Contestant Keshia Pereira in Miss Seychelles beauty pageant to promote the blue economy

Miss Seychelles has been a dream and on my to-do list since growing up, said Keisha Pereira. (Miss Seychelles - National Pageant, Facebook)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Coming from the eastern Mahe district of Pointe Larue, Keshia Pereira is contestant No. 1 in the Miss Seychelles…Another World 2017. 

Pereira, who turned 19 this year, is working towards setting up her own business. For now, she is gearing up for the pageant scheduled for August 26th at Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort and Spa.

SNA met with the young woman to know more about her reasons for joining the pageant. 

SNA: Tell us a little bit about your background?

KP: I was born in Seychelles on May 23, 1998. At an older age, I moved to England for six years, where I did most of my primary education. Then I came back to my homeland and stayed with my mother and father, who are now divorced.

All in all, I can say that I am a caring person, which can sometimes be seen as a negative aspect of my personality.

SNA: What are your qualifications, skills, and what are you doing career wise?

KP: For the time being I am still a first-year student at the School of Business Studies. Going to school is my number one priority right now. 

I have strong leadership skills, and I like to use them in the various school activities. I also love to use my imagination and logic skills to put together concepts that you might not typically envision. In five years time, my target is to have my own business. 

SNA: What encouraged you to join the pageant?

KP: Miss Seychelles has been a dream and on my to-do list since growing up. I turned 18 last year and thought that this year would be a perfect opportunity to test my luck. When I look back, I will be able to say ‘I did it’.

(Michel Desnousse)  Photo License: CC-BY

SNA: Apart from work, what are your interest and hobbies?

KP: I enjoy sports activities like swimming and walking around, discovering different environments. I am a big fan of basketball.

I also spend time surfing the internet and browsing through the social media. Writing poems in English gives me peace and helps to improve my writing ability. The sense of creation helps drain my tension and frustration in positive ways.

SNA: For this pageant what will be your project, which you will be working on?

KP: I wanted to come out with something different. It is for this reason that my project is centred on the promotion of the blue economy. I have just attended a conference on the oceans, which captivated my interest. Also, I am going to join an eight-day course at the Blue Economy Knowledge Centre to get more knowledge on the subject.  After that, I will sensitise the students in schools.

SNA: What is your advice to young Seychellois girls who may be reluctant and lack the confidence to be a contestant of the Miss Seychelles pageant?

KP: Let’s face it, joining the pageant is designed to enhance not only your behaviour but also your character via exposure to a number of different experiences that will benefit you in later life. Therefore, my advice for the young women is to be bold and take up this beauty contest as a challenge. Keep in mind that you only regret the things you never do.

(Miss Seychelles - National Pageant, Facebook ) Photo License: CC-BY

SNA: What are your expectations after this experience?

KP: Most of the women that take part in pageants realise that they have experienced something unique, that not many people have the chance to do. Even with all the women technically competing against each other, it is also a place I expect to make many friends.

SNA: If crowned what changes will you want to make or bring to the society?

KP: My answer is simply that I will keep on doing my best for my country. I cannot stand today and promise to achieve something as I am not sure of what the future holds. I have seen situations in the past where girls have promised to make changes, but couldn’t achieve their goals.