With hopes to be remembered as more than just a fun 'yaadie girl', Lesa-Gayle Milan Wee tom will leave the shores of Jamaica for the Miss Humanity International Pageant in Barbados later this month. Unlike other pageants, this one, according to Wee tom, "Promotes selflessness and humanity. It also enforces the specific obligations that come with being a positive role model."

In a release Wee tom stated, "I've held titles in the past but I hold this one dear to my heart because it has given me a bigger platform to make a difference in the world, and a louder voice to speak on issues concerning women and children."

Her platform for the pageant is women and children. And given the recent unearthing of rape cases in the island, it is one that is of tantamount importance. "My goal is to continue raising awareness to issues that concern women and children in the world such as inequality, abuse, rape, human trafficking and cancer, in an attempt to find cures and decrease the annual rate." She tells Flair that she chose that platform because her life has been affected directly by these issues. "I believe my only way of showing gratitude to the higher power for getting me through my difficult times is by helping others and sharing my story," she ended.

Similar to Mother Teresa

To her, she embodies what she thinks Miss Humanity International represents. She is a confident but selfless individual who embodies the definition of a humanitarian. Similar to Princess Diana and Mother Teresa, she should possess a heart of gold and purpose. She is relatable, outspoken, authentic, and has a poise and grace about her that attracts many. Although she feels that she possesses all the right attributes, she also confessed that she is working continuously on the areas that she falls short in.

As she gets ready to leave the island, she hopes to gain more knowledge on other issues around the world from her pageant experience. "I hope to gain the prestigious title of Miss Humanity International 2012 because it would give me a bigger platform in raising awareness on world issues concerning women and children."

grandison.garfene@gleanerjm.com