Newly crowned Miss Universe Guyana, Chandini Baljor proves persistence leads to success

Aug 31, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – What began as a dream fueled by years of dedication and persistence ended in a moment of triumph for 22-year-old Chandini Baljor, who was crowned Miss Universe Guyana 2025. This was her second time vying for the crown. She will now go on to represent Guyana at the Miss Universe pageant in November in Thailand.

The crowning ceremony, held last Saturday at the Marriott Hotel, was a dazzling and modern affair. The stage was wide, sleek, and designed to allow all contestants to showcase their grace, confidence, and poise. Energy filled the room as cheers echoed through the hall, with an intimate crowd eagerly awaiting the announcement of their new queen.

This was Baljor’s second attempt at the title, having previously competed in 2022 without securing the crown. Refusing to give up, she returned this year with renewed determination, and it paid off. Speaking to The Waterfalls, a visibly emotional Baljor said, “I am extremely honoured and excited to be able to own this title finally. Hard work always pays off”.

She explained her motivation for competing a second time, expressing her determination to win the crown:

“I would have competed again because, truthfully, when I want something, I tend to work really hard for it,” Baljor emphasized.

She highlighted another example of her persistent drive, recalling how she had applied three times to study medicine at the University of Guyana.

“Today, I stand before you as a successful fourth-year medical student, balancing everything I do now. So I thought, if I could do that, then I can surely do this. I wanted this title, so I put in the work, I studied, and I made it happen,” she said proudly.

She also expressed excitement about traveling for the international competition. “This will be the second time I’m traveling for a pageant, and I’m extremely excited. You get to witness new cultures and meet different people. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”

While the outcome was rewarding, the path was not easy. Baljor admitted she struggled initially with her stage walk and managing the stress of balancing academics with pageant preparation. “The stress was getting to me, and I was fumbling. But I trusted in myself, did the work, and prayed. In the end, it paid off.”

For the past two months, Baljor dedicated herself entirely to preparing for the competition. “My day started at 5 a.m., I’d go to the gym until 7, then head home to get ready, go to the hospital from 8 to 12 where I work as a medical student, attend classes, and then sit exams. In the afternoons, I worked as a model and promoter, and also managed online work. At the end of each day, I prayed and ensured I had enough rest to do it all again.”

As a message to young girls who may feel anxious about competing in a pageant, Baljor offered words of encouragement and strength:

“I need you to be resilient. Resilience is the one quality that got me to where I am today. When you know you want something, work for it! Don’t let the criticism shake you; push forward with your best effort. With resilience, any goal is attainable.”

Among the nine total contestants, eight competed in the final show. Contestant #2, Nichola Munroe, was unable to participate due to personal reasons. The other contestants include, contestant #3 Khadeshia Walker, contestant #4 Keefia Ebony Younge, contestant #5 Malika Allicock, contestant #6 Jemima Wilson, contestant #7 Nikita Seepaul, contestant #8 Mallissa Dennis, and contestant #9 Makeda Braithwaite.

Securing the first runner-up position was Allicock, who shared her emotional journey as a first-time pageant contestant. In an interview with The Waterfalls, she expressed her excitement:

“I am very excited; I’m overwhelmed with joy. I know everyone wants the crown, but at the end of the day, it’s about who best represents our country, and I believe Chandini is very deserving of the title. I’m really looking forward to the journey ahead. This was my first pageant, and I’m feeling excited… maybe I’ll enter another one,” she said with a laugh.

Allicock shared her motivation for entering the pageant, explaining that it was both a personal journey and a chance to inspire others:

“I decided to join because I feel like a confident and bold person and I wasn’t always that way and I thought why not be an example to young women to be able to dream big, do better and go beyond what you’re accustomed to. Jump out of your comfort zone,” she encouraged.

She also highlighted her advocacy, adding, “I wanted to bring awareness to my platform, Safe Roads Guyana. I would love for people to drive safely and do the right thing on our roadways.”

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters. “I want to thank my friends, family, and especially my friend David, my coach Glory, and Sebia. I love you guys. You’ve been with me from day one.”

As a first-time pageant contestant, Allicock faced several challenges, but she overcame them through strength and determination. She described the experience as truly transformative, sharing:

“This journey really pushed me to dive into who I am as a person and to be vulnerable. At first, I had never opened up about my personal life, talking about my mom, about my tragedy, but I used that experience to raise awareness about an issue that’s deeply important. It’s something I never thought I’d do, but I’m grateful for it because it helped me go beyond who I thought I was. It gave me confidence and strength. Now, I feel certain that anything I set my mind to, I can achieve.”

Second runner-up went to American-Guyanese contestant Khadesia Walker. Though this was her first time competing in Miss Universe Guyana, Walker has a long pageant history, including titles in Miss America and Miss Connecticut USA, beginning at age seven. “When I was younger, I was a shy little girl, and my mother put me in pageants to help me come out of my shell. I just fell in love with it.”

Despite her experience, Walker acknowledged that the journey is never without challenges. “Sometimes you don’t get the placement or title you hope for, even after putting in so much work. But that’s okay, it just means it wasn’t part of God’s plan. I’d say to every young girl: keep going for your dreams. Even if you face rejection, don’t give up.”

The judges who made the difficult decision that evening were urban and rural planner, Elsie Harry, pageant expert, Harry Narine Nawbatt, and former contestant, Imarah Radix.

As Chandini Baljor took her final walk down the runway in a stunning, glittery pink gown and a radiant smile, she embodied the spirit of resilience, determination, and grace. With her eyes set on Thailand, she hopes to make Guyana proud on the international stage.

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• Allicock, Chandini Baljor, contestant, Miss Universe pageant, Nikita Seepaul, The Waterfalls

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