Minister of Tourism, Dr Rupert Griffith, confirmed this on March 11, 2011 as he spoke with reporters at a heritage authentication workshop, which was held at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre, St Ann’s.
“Hosting a competition of that magnitude is very costly, but if a proposal comes before us we will treat with it,” Griffith said.
Miss World Chairman, Julia Morley, along with reigning Miss World Alexandria Mills of the USA and runner-up Emma Waraeus of Botswana, visited Trinidad and Tobago in February, as they scouted possible hosts for the 2011 pageant. However, prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar had said the timing for this country to host such a pageant was simply not right, as it was not a priority at this point in time.
She indicated that if any firm proposal was made it would have to go to the Cabinet.
“It takes quite a lot to do something like that. To host such a huge pageant this year would place a strain on the country, as we will have to reach the standards which the Miss World organisation requires,” Griffith explained.
In 1999, Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Miss Universe pageant, but Griffith said the country was still waiting to reap the expected rewards.
“There were some benefits, and it was not a total waste. People got to know about the country and we had some tourist arrivals. In terms of the absolute value which was anticipated from the pageant, it is still left to be decided,” explained Griffith.
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