Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe is stripped of her title

by Marcia Braveboy

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Dethroned Miss Trinidad and Tobago Miss Cheryl Ankra says a decision to replace her is a miscarriage of justice. The beauty queen has fired back a statement from her home in England last week, criticizing the decision of the pageant company and franchise holder Peter Elias and Associates.

She says the move by Peter Elias and Associates was unfortunately a unilateral decision taken and executed while she was out of the country.

Miss Ankra, who won the opportunity to represent her country at the next Miss Universe pageant, claims she was never given an opportunity to present her case before the committee. On Wednesday of last week, Mr Elias announced that the beauty queen has not been able to fulfill her duties as Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe and a replacement was being sought.

There have been reports of conflict between the pageant company and the beauty queen ever since she won the title in August last year. Cheryl Ankra says that the allegations against her are unjustified. She said there was no indication before her dismissal of any dissatisfaction with her.

Miss Ankra is now questioning the integrity of the competition and the pageant company; she believes that if this decision holds, competitions in the future to select persons to represent Trinidad and Tobago can be subjected to changes at the whim and fancy of the organizers and therefore the judges' decision will not be final, making it possible for organizers to appoint persons they so favour.

Even though Cheryl claims that the decision came as a surprise, franchise holder Peter Elias that this is not true since she was told repeatedly about the company’s dissatisfaction. Mr Elias said, “To be Miss Trinidad and Tobago you must be committed and responsible; this is not just about putting on a nice dress and modeling.”

Cheryl Ankra was expected to return to Trinidad and Tobago over the weekend and promised to say more on the issue. Though fired by the pageant committee as Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, Miss Ankra signed the letter "Miss Trinidad and Tobago". 

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