Exclusive: Sharie B.Y. de Castro says no regrets at Miss Universe
In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Ms. de Castro related that her most fulfilling moment was the minute she stepped on stage at the pageant, “You see, most of you may not be aware of some of the personal and other struggles I had to rise above. But to have been able to conquer it all while shining as an ambassador of my home and people, words cannot express the sense of pride felt.”
When asked to describe her performance during the Miss Universe pageant, Sharie said she pledged to do her best following her win at the Miss BVI contest and did exactly that in Russia. “I was particularly pleased with the overwhelming response about the carriage of my gown and felt extremely happy when Miss Universe Organizers commended me on my performance during the interviews even after the show. That says to me I did well.”
Among the lessons learnt in competing in the pageant, Sharie noted that it was shocking to comprehend the level of personal growth one can experience within such short a period. de Castro related that she developed a new level of tolerance and appreciation for the belief of others and their practices as well. “My time management skills have sharpened. I also received an eye-opening revelation of the power and reach of the Miss Universe pageant and I therefore walk away with even more confidence that I can have a positive impact on the world,” she said.
According to Sharie, the special part about this trip that resonated with her was the privilege of experiencing the different cultures. “I feel like I travelled the world in just one trip! I am humbled to have received such an opportunity and can also admit that cultural, religious and social barriers disappeared and I felt a refreshing sample of Universal Peace.”
The pageant queen said she identified with the delegates from the Caribbean most, noting that it is often said that we are divided by water but united by culture. “This proved to be sometimes even surprisingly true as we all learned so much about the resounding similarities that we share,” she offered.
Sadly, she also announced that this will be the end of her time in pageantry, “Pageantry has helped me tremendously to develop as a woman. It is incredible how a college class assignment led to such immense personal growth. I was challenged to journey outside of my element and I did just that. However, my time in beauty pageants has expired but I look forward to other forms of life's pageantry.”
Driven by overwhelming support
de Castro said she drew inspiration from the love and support received by persons, not just from home but around the world. “I also continue to be inspired by the life, love and legacy of my friend and hero, Cheri Malvern, who taught me to have the strength that won't quit. Cheri daily struggled with the painful and crippling disease Sickle Cell Anemia but never allowed it to affect the way she enjoyed life. Though she passed away two years ago, it is because of the seed that she sowed in my life, her love and passion for pageantry, that I was able to stand on one of its biggest stages. It has been a difficult journey without her physically but I am comforted as I imagine the bright smile on her face as I walked across the stage. I did this in her honour.”
She also expressed gratitude for the constant behind the scenes support and motivation from her super hero mom, who along with the quiet strength and wisdom of her dad, the love, laughter and long 'FaceTime' conversations with her amazing siblings and close friends made all the difference. “Of course I could do none of this without my miracle worker, the man that makes everything happen, my chaperon, Damion C. Grange,” Sharie added.
Sharie also received constant and overwhelming support from the VI audience and said it was truly inspiring to receive words of encouragement, love, comfort and prayers from Virgin Islanders both at home and around the world, some known and others unknown to her. “They all rallied behind me and I was able to feel uplifted by true BVI pride every step of the way,” she said.
She said her biggest surprise though, was the overwhelming support received from supporters from Indonesia and the Philippines who had been following her journey. “At times it felt like a dream. The words of wisdom, love and encouragement I received were amazing and I am grateful to have had such international support.”
Confident about visibility in community
“During my stint as Miss BVI I impressed upon myself a mandate to make a difference. As a result I sought out many opportunities that championed this cause both inside and outside of the scope of my chosen platform, youth development in education,” Sharie related.
de Castro said she has partnered with many organisations and participated in and attended many events during her reign. Citing several examples, she said “as a voice for literacy, I enjoyed speaking to students on Tortola and the sister islands about the importance of reading and was delighted share my own poetry as examples of literature during celebrations such as Reading is Fun Week. I am humbled to have received such an enormous amount of requests and invitations to many different events and I am truly grateful to everyone who expressed confidence in me.”
The pageant queen said she was able to share the pride and beauty of the VI people, and the warmth of its diverse yet unique culture, Natures Little Secret.
No regrets
“I have no regrets,” she stated emphatically. “I live my life with intention and hold strongly to the belief that everything happens for a reason. The challenges and hard times have helped to build character and have made me a much stronger person.”
She also noted that she would not do anything differently if given the chance since she believes that everything that came along with her journey was preordained, “I hope to walk away with the ‘Lessons Learnt’ and focus mainly on those.”
Asked how she dealt with criticisms of her performance, Sharie said, “I am not confused about who I am and I believe that there is a set path and agenda set out for me, inspired by my Lord. Though discouraging at times I am quickly reminded that criticism is an opportunity to evaluate, reset if necessary and continue walking out your divine destiny.”
Sharie advised that the VI’s next representative at the Miss Universe Pageant, Ms Rosanna K. Chichester start preparations early, take the initiative to seek external resources and during the actual competition don't forget to have fun.
Miss BVI Committee needs overhaul
Sharie also had a few words for the Miss BVI Committee and said she plans to issue a report shortly, “I will agree that there needs to be a major overhaul of the Miss BVI programme if we do expect to seriously compete at that level. It is my intention to prepare a report, to include some recommendations, for all stakeholders.”
She expressed sincere gratitude to Mr Marvin 'MB' Blyden, Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, LIME, Bishop John I. Cline, Hon. Alvera Maduro Caines, Hon. Julian Fraser RA, Hon. Delores Christopher, Hon. Archibald C. Christian, Hon. Marlon A. Penn, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, Ms Patsy Lake, Jermaine Smith, dedicated hair sponsor A Cut Above Hair and Beauty Salon and Makeup Artists extraordinaire Gilda Richardson and Kassandra Malone.
She also thanked Mr Kedrick Malone and the staff of the BVI London House, especially Mr Nicholas Jeria, Seaborne Airlines for their amazing hospitality, the BVI Tourist Board for contestant gifts, the ESHS English Department, her New Life Baptist Church family, world renowned designer Carlos Alberto of Puerto Rico and the entire VI community.
“It was the combined effort of everyone that made this remarkable experience a reality. I therefore pledge to continue to represent my country with dignity and pride at all times,” Sharie said.
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20 Responses to “Exclusive: Sharie B.Y. de Castro says no regrets at Miss Universe”
Not in your eyes, but she is a beautiful, smart, brilliant and intelligent person in one little package. You can learn a lot from her. The master sure knew what he was doing by making us so diverse.
me too as anyone can do better than that current bunch of cr**ks