After having been postponed a week, due to a COVID-19 cluster outbreak, the highly anticipated Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant was able to take place on Saturday, 18 September at the Westin.

With new restrictions in place, the pageant went virtual allowing for pageant fans locally and abroad to watch the show from the comfort of their home.

The competition was tight as there were many ties for awards including a tie for the 2nd Runner up position.

Ultimately it was 18-year-old Georgina Kerford who was crowned Miss Cayman Islands Universe 2021, with the runner ups as follows:

• 1st Runner up - Kimberly Carlos

• 2nd Runner up (s) - Aliyah Harrison & Ashley Crowe

Georgina also won Miss Photogenic, and tied with Aliyah Harrison for Best in Gown and Best Legs.

Additionally, the other prizes went to:

• Most Improved- Aliyah Harrison

• Miss Congeniality- Markita Ebanks and Ashley Crowe

• Best Smile- Ashley Crowe

• People’s Choice- Aliyah Harrison

Now that we’re all caught up let’s take this time to get to know our 2021 Miss Cayman Islands Universe, Georgina Kerford, a little better.

Keep reading as we play 20(something) questions with our new queen.

Personal

T-stance on Pageantry (TSP): Who ya fah?

Georgina Kerford (GK): I love that saying! I’m proud to say that I’m from the Fleming family. I was raised by my mother and grandparents.

TSP: What were you like as a kid and how has that translated into the woman you are today?

GK: To be very honest, I believe that I still have many aspects and characteristics of when I was a kid that has followed me into the woman I am today. I believe that it is a beautiful thing to say that you are a kid at heart, which helps me connect with others. If I could say one thing that has been a big difference from when I was a kid and now is that I was a big tomboy, I was adventurous, making sure not to be afraid to get my hands dirty and to make the most of my childhood. I was always outside playing or building, whether that would be independently or with a very much welcomed playmate. It has translated me into the woman that I am today because I enjoy nature, teamwork and overall has let me enter a new viewpoint of how I express myself and has let me connect with my femininity.
TsP: There’s something quite special about being a kid at heart. I think it’s because it helps you see the silver lining in every situation.

TSP: Share your favourite childhood memory…

GK: I have so many childhood memories so I can’t pick one but most Sundays my family and I would drive up to East End/ North Side to go to church and after we would have lunch at Lighthouse, Tukka, or Over the Edge, (my family’s favourite places). Then we would go back to my grandparent's house and watch movies together as a family.
TsP: Watching movies after Sunday Lunch, sounds like the perfect way to spend a Sunday.

TSP: If you could go back in time to your younger self, what advice would you give yourself?

GK: Always keep playing, laughing, and having fun. Don’t get too serious! Enjoy every moment and don’t listen to the negative comments. Avoid trying to “fit it."
TsP: It’s funny how you spend your whole adolescence trying to fit in and then when you become an adult you realize that the key to life is to stand out.

TSP: Your enthusiasm for dance earned you a lifetime scholarship with Ms Jackie’s School of Dance. Tell us about your background in dance.

GK: I have been dancing since I was three years old. My mom got me into dancing as she is a dance teacher. I find dancing a way of expressing myself and feeling free. Dance has taught me so many skills such a discipline, confidence, manners, and patience. Miss Jackie always believed in me and would push me to do my best.
TsP: That’s awesome that you started so young. And those dance lessons definitely paid off as we could see your confidence shining through in the opening number on pageant night.

TSP: Are you a dreamer or a realist? And why?

GK: I think it depends on the situation but I would say both as I am reaching my dreams as Miss Cayman Islands Universe.
TsP: Growing up I was very much a dreamer. But as an adult, I would say I am a dreamer with the twist of a realist.

TSP: Would you rather be able to read minds or have the ability to become invisible? And why?

GK: I would rather be able to read minds as most of the time people have a hard time expressing what they feel and reading minds would help with this but also I know my mind goes wandering so it would be cool to see what other people think about in a normal day.
TsP: Reading people’s minds would be kind of cool.

TSP: If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, in whose eyes are you beautiful?

GK: The person who is observing gets to decide what is beautiful.
TsP: From where I stand you are absolutely stunning.

School

TSP: What was your favourite subject in school?

GK: My favourite subject in school would have to be Drama as we got to express ourselves and play different roles that would push us out of our comfort zones. My drama teacher would always keep us excited and thrilled.
TsP: Drama was my absolute fave subject too! It is a lot of fun to play characters outside of your own personality.

TSP: What was your worst subject in school?

GK: My worst subject would have to be Spanish. I would like to get better at understanding Spanish and learning how to respond.
TsP: I’ve wanted to learn Spanish ever since I discovered Selena’s music.

TSP: You were Student Council President, tell us what that experience was like?

GK: Being a Student Council President allowed me to help my fellow students with what they wished could be improved with the school. It helped me improve my public speaking, pitching ideas, and working as a team.
TsP: I never really got involved in Student Council but it does sound like a really great opportunity to develop leadership skills which are obvi a great skill to have as a titleholder.

TSP: You've stated that you will be utilizing the scholarship from your prize package. What are you going to study and where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

GK: With the scholarship, I planned to go overseas to study in the United Kingdom. I wish to continue my studies in education or social work. In 10 years, I see myself making a positive change in the education system, being involved in the Cayman community, buying a home, and starting a family.
TsP: I can definitely see you as a teacher, I think being a kid at heart will help you connect with your students.

Pop Culture

TSP: What are you currently binging on Netflix?

GK: Right now I am currently watching Super Girl.
TsP: Love Super Girl. When I first saw the pilot, I did think it was a bit ridiculous that they couldn’t recognize her because she wasn’t wearing her glasses…

TSP: If you could switch lives with one celebrity for a day who would you choose and why?

GK: Honesty I wouldn’t want to switch lives with anyone but if I had to I would like to see what life would be like for a male. I would like to first-hand experience the struggles and the day-to-day expectations they go through so I can understand them as a woman.
TsP: Now this could be interesting.

TSP: Who is your fave music artist to dance to?

GK: I do not have a favourite music artist. I listen to most genres but my favourites are R&B, pop, hip hop, soca, dancehall.
TsP: Sigh, I wish I could dance but it’s just not my talent.

TSP: If you had the chance to be in any movie, what would it be, and which character would you play?

GK: If I had the opportunity to be in any movie it would either be James Bond or Hacksaw Ridge as the main characters. In James Bond, it would be interesting to be a spy and do the stunts as a female. Hacksaw Ridge was a movie based on real events and I want to honour and understand the struggle he went through.
TsP: Definitely would be fun to play a spy. I also think that a woman should play the next Bond, wouldn’t that be a cool change to the storyline?! In the recent, JB movie, it does look like they have given away his 007 code to a female character, Nomi. But they’ve said that she’s not the new James Bond. So I guess we’ll see.

Pageantry

TSP: You are the youngest Miss Cayman Islands Universe in three decades. What does that accomplishment mean to you?

GK: I am so proud of myself for being the youngest in 3 decades. It is a big accomplishment to me because I proved to myself and to other females out there that you can reach your dreams at a young age and that my age doesn’t determine the way I can perform and succeed.
TsP: I love your determination to prove that age is just a number. I am curious to see if we will have more 18-year-olds stepping up to the challenge because of your win. ;)

TSP: You've mentioned before that the scholarship was your greatest motivation for entering the pageant. However, you are 18 years old, what made you feel you were ready to take on the responsibility of being a Miss Cayman Islands Universe?

GK: People associate the age of 18 with still being a child and that they are not ready to face the world. I wanted to change that stigma. I knew that if I didn’t win I would go away prepare even more and come back. I know that I am ready to take the responsibility and I am very proud to be representing my home the Cayman Islands.
TsP: I do feel that our typical 18-year-olds aren’t as mature as some of the older contestants we see competing. So I often get nervous when I see 18 year-olds (18-21 year-olds really) compete for the title. But you handled yourself so well on that stage and showed maturity beyond your years.

TSP: Outside of attending the official Miss Cayman Islands Universe training, tell us how did you personally prepare for the pageant?

GK: I personally prepared myself for the Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant by working with two pageant coaches that were past Miss Cayman title holders. They helped me a lot as they have been in the position and understand the expectations. I also got physical training to keep my body active and fit. I made sure I took time out when needed for myself so I didn’t get overwhelmed or burnt out.

TsP: That is great that you were able to get two pageant coaches! And they had experience in your pageant? That is a tip I’ve shared with other potential pageant contestants: try to get a coach who has experience with your system.

TSP: What do you want to advocate for throughout your reign?

GK: I want to advocate for education, mental health, and sexual harassment.
TsP: Excited to see how you choose to support each cause throughout your reign. Do keep us posted!

TSP: What are you most looking forward to at Miss Universe?

GK: What I am looking forward to the most is being more involved with the community and the youth and going overseas to Israel to compete in the 70th Miss Universe competition so I can represent my island on a world stage. I am excited to meet all the other females and learn about their culture.
TsP: Yes that is one of the best things about competing at an international pageant, you get to experience many cultures in a short space of time.

TSP: Previously, Miss Universe selected their top 20 via the continental format (Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Europe). If you could visit one country on each of those continents, where would you go?

GK: Americas: New York/ California

Asia-Pacific: China

Africa: South Africa

Europe: Italy/ Greece

Tsp: I’ve been to NYC a few times already (Love it). China and Italy were on a bucket list I created when I graduated high school and I would of course love to see South Africa, Greece and Cali.

TSP: Do you think more emphasis should be placed on encouraging young women to re-enter the pageant if they are unsuccessful the first time?

GK: Yes, the pageant community should encourage young women to re-enter. The experience alone makes a woman grow and learn more about herself. The stigma around pageants is if you don't win you shouldn't come back. Nothing in life comes easy and you have to work hard for your dreams. In my year of reign, I want to encourage past contests to re-enter and reach for their dreams.
TsP: You’re absolutely right! We have to move past that stigma and encourage these women to persevere. I mean look at Pia Wurtzbach, she entered Binibini Pilipinas 3x before she won and then she went on to win Miss Universe.

Thank you, Georgina for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions.

Wishing you all the best in Israel!

Follow Georgina on IG: @georgina_kerford