Meet Miss Universe Barbados 2019 Delegate: Saffiyah Abdul-Razzak
by Karen Rollins Sep 6, 2019
Over 80 contestants from around the world will compete in the upcoming 68th edition of the Miss Universe pageant and attempt to win one of the most coveted international pageant titles.
Barbados’ search for its 2019 Miss Universe representative will come to an end on 7 September with a glamourous coronation ceremony at the Hilton Barbados.
The delegates vying for the crown are; Alexandra, Hillary, Jillisa, Saffiyah, Beviny, Shanel, Kristen, Jeunessa, and Shaunice.
Yello interviewed each contestant to discover more about them and to see why they feel they deserve to represent Barbados on a worldwide stage.
Introducing:
Name: Saffiyah Abdul-Razzak
Age: 23
Describe yourself in three words:
Determined, honest and reliable.
Do you have previous pageant experience?
This will be my first pageant. I always wanted to enter one, but I didn’t think that I was confident enough.
Earlier this year I saw the advert for this event, and I decided that it would be a good experience for me. I know it’s the highest level of pageantry in Barbados but it’s something that I knew that I was capable of, so I took the chance and I stepped forward.
I know that if I put my best foot forward, I have a chance of winning.
What have you been doing to prepare for the competition?
We have access to a portal that I am on almost every day! Watching videos, reading questions, practicing walking in the correct way, and working on posture.
I also have some friends helping, pushing and encouraging me.
Who has been your biggest supporter?
My family push me every day. My boyfriend, my best friend and my friends have also been supporting me.
They make sure I’m on top of what I need to do, attending rehearsals and events, I know they believe in me and want the best for me.
If you won the MUB title, how would you use the platform to help others?
I am an animal lover, I have over 20 cats, so I would love to open more animal shelters in Barbados.
I also have a love for children so I’d like to provide more homes for them to make sure they are well cared for and healthy.
If you could go back in time, and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell myself to put your best foot forward. Stop listening to the wrong people and hanging around with bad company because at the end of the day, they’re not going to be there to support you.
If I’d taken that advice when I was younger, I know I would have entered lots of pageants before, because I know I’m capable of doing well.
How would you describe Barbados to someone that hasn’t been here?
Barbados is small but very beautiful. Most, if not all, of the tourists who come here fall in love with Barbados and don’t want to leave.
We are one community. If something happens to one of us, the rest of the community will be there to help, and support you.
What do you personally love about Barbados?
I love our society. The people in the neighbourhood where I live are very friendly.
I love the beaches. You can always find me at the beach!
What’s your motto/philosophy in life?
I have one phrase that I repeat to myself which is ‘when you feel like giving up, you’re really just a few millimetres away from winning’.
I go by that saying every day, it pushes me along in life, and helps me to keep a positive mindset.
Visit the Miss Universe Barbados website or Facebook page for more information.