19/11/2019
MY PAGEANT JOURNEY
MS TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO UK 2018
I can still hear those words clearly in my mind “So the winner of Ms Trinidad and Tobago UK National Queen 2018 is” then the presenter paused for a few seconds which seemed so much longer, building the anticipation as I nervously tried to control my breathing. Then with great excitement my name Lee-Ann Goddard was called and that is a moment now famed in my memory forever.
I can honestly say my life elevated that night and it was the start of a wonderful journey. Notice I said wonderful not perfect simply because life itself is not perfect but we can achieve great joy and satisfaction with the right mindset. Throughout the year as I attended each event there were many opportunities for personal and professional development which equipped me to better execute my ambassadorial duties both here in the UK and abroad which includes Trinidad and Tobago and Nigeria.
Winning this title also gave me the opportunity to complete a journey I started many years ago at the Miss Teen Trinidad and Tobago pageant. Symbolically, myself and the other delegates met briefly with the past president Mr George M Richards which was lovely. However, 15 years later, I returned for my official trip and had the privilege to enjoy a private courtesy call with our first female president Her Excellency Mrs Paula-Mae Weekes. I even met with several government officials and public figures including The Hon Cllr Nadine Stewart-Phillips, the Mayor of Port of Spain Mr Joel Martinez, Mr Rudolph Walker, Sir Gary Sobers and many others throughout my reign.
Similar to other pageants, the ethos beauty with a purpose has always been part of my life’s motto. Therefore, as a Trinbagonian ambassador I adopted and raised funds for the pageant’s official charity Kids in Need of Direction (KIND) in Trinidad and supported other fundraising initiatives like the “Wear Sumting Red Charity Concert” in London for victims of the devastating Trinidad floods. I also expanded my personal brand Klassi Bodyz which is a motivational lifestyle brand and introduced Klassi Brunch for ladies. Our gatherings provide a friendly and safe atmosphere where we all feel comfortable to socialise, discuss, share, motivate and support each other on a regular basis, no topic/issue is off limits. I am extremely proud of all these and the uplifting projects I will continue to work on in the future.
Finally, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the pageant’s committee and Carivog International for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be an official ambassador for our country. I am grateful for all the positive lessons learnt, wonderful experiences and this amazing platform aided by the use of social media namely Facebook and Instagram which I used to actively promote the pageant and our beautiful Trinidad and Tobago to the world. I am also blessed with close friends and family especially my parents for their continuous love and support through every stage of my life.
Now, I can finally say my pageant journey has come to a successful end and I am truly excited to hand over the crown in 2020 to another deserving young lady as she creates her own beautiful memories. Once an Ambassador, Always an Ambassador
Peace and love
Lee-Ann Goddard
