Charles: Stand firm in the face of public criticism

Miss SVG 2011 Aviar Charles says she had hoped that she would have been involved in more activities during her reign as queen.{{more}}

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT at the “meet the media” session, last Saturday at the Young Island Resort, Charles said it was not at all hectic during her reign as Miss SVG.

“I wasn’t involved in many things really, except activities based at the community level…,” she added.

However, the Welcome resident said it was interesting and fun being Miss SVG and she was proud to be an ambassador for this country.

Charles said she thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the CARE SVG group, a group she said is geared towards reducing the amount of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, especially discrimination in the work place.

After taking the Miss SVG crown and participating in the Miss Carival pageant, Aviar took part in the Miss Jaycees pageant in Antigua and Miss Caribbean World in the British Virgin Islands.

Despite not being successful at those, Charles said she was grateful for the opportunity to represent her country.

“I represented SVG to the best of my ability; however, I did not place in the pageant. I am not disappointed, because I know for a fact I did very well…,” Charles added.

Speaking of this year’s Miss SVG contestants, Charles said she is very impressed by the eight young ladies.

“From looking at these girls and watching them over the past weeks, it is really going to be a toss up on the night of June 2. They all stand an equal chance of being crowned Miss SVG 2012,” Charles opined.

Charles urged the ladies to stand firm in the face of public criticism and focus on the show only.

“As long as you know what you want, you go out there and just do your best and put your best foot forward,” Charles implored.

After her final walk as Miss SVG 2011, at Carnival city, Victoria Park on June 2, Aviar will be heading off in September to the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus to pursue undergraduate studies in Integrated Marketing Communications.