This year’s Miss Universe Cayman Islands pageant is just around the corner, with four contestants ready to take the stage and battle it out for the coveted crown.
Genesis Ryan, Tahiti Moorea Seymour, Gileen Marie Macdonald and Tiona Miller have been chosen as the four finalists and will compete at the pageant on 9 August.
The winner will take over from the reigning queen, Raegen Rutty, and spend the next 12 months helping to make a difference on the islands through volunteering, fundraising and advocacy.
But before this happens, we thought we’d find out a bit more about each contestants, including what inspired them to enter, what winning the contest would mean to them and what they do when not vying for the Miss Universe crown.
First up is 26-year-old Genesis Ryan form Bodden Town.
What inspired you to enter this year’s Miss Universe Cayman Islands?
As an introvert at heart, I was inspired to enter Miss Universe Cayman Islands to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone.
I want to inspire women, especially those who are shy or reserved like myself, that growth begins when we push past fear.
This journey is about becoming a more refined, confident, and empowered version of myself, and encouraging others to do the same.
What are you looking forward to most in the competition?
Through this competition, I hope to grow both personally and professionally, enhance my public speaking skills, and continue to use my voice to break the stigma around mental health while bringing light to the importance of nurturing our wellbeing.
Is there anything you’re nervous about?
It might sound cliché, but slipping into my dress is always a nerve-wracking moment.
It’s the point where everything feels real, the lights, the stage, the audience, and the pressure to represent myself well truly sets in.
But it’s also the moment I remind myself why I’m here, and that confidence comes from God.
What would winning the competition mean to you?
Winning this competition would give me the opportunity to use my voice on a larger scale to advocate for mental health awareness and drive meaningful change.
It would enable me to support those in our community who are silently struggling, break the stigma, and help create a space where mental health is treated with the compassion and importance it deserves.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to building a more compassionate and understanding community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
What do you do when you’re not competing in Miss Universe Cayman Islands and what do you enjoy most about it?
I work full-time as a corporate assistant, providing support to boards of directors in fulfilling their governance responsibilities.
I enjoy scheduling and organising client meetings, drafting minutes to ensure accurate representation of discussions, and staying informed about new regulations.
As a member of the sports and social committee, I take pride in contributing to a positive and well-functioning team environment by planning engaging social events for my colleagues.
What do you love about living in the Cayman Islands?
I love that we are three islands, each with its own charm, yet united with the freedom to explore them all without restrictions.
Whether it’s snorkelling among the coral reefs in Little Cayman, hiking the majestic Bluff in Cayman Brac, or swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman, our islands offer more than just beauty.
From a quiet weekend getaway to a joyful family holiday, Cayman is the perfect escape and the truest definition of home, peace and belonging and no matter how many countries I visit, nothing ever feels quite like home until my feet are planted here.
Do you have a favourite spot on the islands and why?
One of my favourite spots in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Brac Bluff. Standing 141 feet above sea level, it offers a breathtaking view where the deep blue sea meets the sky and seamen navigate the open waters below.
Even though the ironshore rocks radiate the scorching midday heat, I wouldn’t trade the sense of peace and deep connection to nature I feel when I’m there.
It’s a powerful reminder of how grounding, beautiful and strong our islands truly are.
The pageant will be held at The Westin Grand Cayman. For more information visit misscaymanislandsuniverse.com
