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Following the official launch of Elite Model Look Caribbean which took place on the 9th June 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, the first leg of the local casting was kicked of at Gulf City La Romain. There were fifty plus young women vying for an opportunity of a life time. The Elite team comprised Jean Pierre Begon - Vice President, Elite International, John Biloa - Director, Elite Latin and South America, Derrick Lewis - Franchise Holder for Elite Caribbean, Christian Carbaza - Elite Model Look Project and Assistant Producer, Nadine Kanhai - Project Manager for Elite Model look Caribbean 2011

The search then moved to the north east of Trinidad - Trinicity Mall. There was an even larger turnout with a hundred plus young ladies displaying their professionalism and timeless natural beauty in an effort to secure a spot as one of the five finalists to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the Regional finals. Of course, TJJ was most present. It was a heightened atmosphere with spectators and supporters all gathered around. The young ladies registered and had their pictures taken on the second floor. Then waited for their number to be called, proceeded to the first floor where they met the judges, introduce themselves and walked a short runway.  They were also asked a few questions. e.g. who is your favorite model? Many of them replied Giselle Bundchen. Do you have the support of your parents? This is one of the things Vice President Elite International was adamant about support from the parents and the completion of their education.

There were even a few humorous moments with one girl stating that she was representing the big girls with fist in the air while walking the runway. Even inspiring moments, with another girl that clearly had a hearing disability which affected her speech, mustering up the courage to face the panel of judges or jury as they were being called.

Even Miss Trinidad and Tobago World 2011 representative Lee-Ann Forbes could have been seen mingling among spectators.

The search then moved to Tobago and continued through to Suriname, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Antigua, Grenada, Guyana and Barbados. Elite has organized this event for the past 28 years but the first of its kind in the Caribbean Region, giving girls between the ages of 14 to 22 the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of models such as Giselle Bundchen, Stephanie Seymour, Naomi Cambell, Claudia Schiffer etc.   

Twenty Two hopefuls will be chosen to compete in the Regional finals which will be held on November 12th 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. Following this, three finalists will go on to compete in the prestigious Elite Model Look International event in Shanghai China this December 6th for US 1,000,000 in modeling contracts.

Cass Stuart for TJJ

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