Thea Duncan, 21, of Palmetto Bay, Florida, was crowned the
first ever Miss Caricom (Caribbean Community) in Guyana in 2004. She spoke
to Marcel Wiel about the lighter side of life and how she’ll be using
her crown in the fight against HIV
How was your first summer as Miss Caricom?
It’s been great. Apart from winning the pageant, I got a scholarship
for $25,000 and attended a benefit banquet.
What do you want to do with the title?
I am supposed to be travelling to Guyana for the opening of the new Caricom
facility, where I’ll be talking to young people about HIV and Aids.
What first interested you in working in HIV?
My mom works for a clinic that caters for lower socio-economic groups and
we’ve always spoken about health issues in the community including HIV
and Aids. Not too long ago, one of my cousins passed away because of the virus.
[Meanwhile] in Africa men are having sex with young virgin women because they
believe this protects them from the virus. I want to carry on talking about
the virus and encourage people to learn about it, what causes it and ways
people affected by it can be helped.
In the UK, like in the US, HIV is a big problem for heterosexual black
people. Why do you think this is?
I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it’s because as a community we are
reluctant to talk about it and there’s a reluctance to use protection.
It’s striking though that it is black women who are mainly catching
this disease, which is another reason I feel the need to go out there and
talk about it.
I’m actually calling you from my office in London and two of
my female colleagues are looking at your picture on the web. So I’ve
got two questions; first, tips for a geeky-looking woman who doesn’t
like the way she looks?
I spent most of my life as a geeky-looking woman who didn’t like the
way she looks. For most of my childhood, I was so unhappy how I looked physically.
One month I didn’t like my legs or my nose or my hair or my eyes. But
one day, I don’t know why, I woke up and I was happy with who I was.
I stopped thinking about being attractive to other people and was just happy
being me for me. It felt beautiful and I even said: ‘The sun rose this
morning’ because I knew I could go out in the world and make something
of myself. So if you feel ugly and unattractive, just be happy with who you
are, because that will be seen and appreciated.
Ok, so here’s the second question. Talk me through a bad complexion
moment...
Oh god, zits happen all the time.
...because on your picture, you look perfect.
I’m not sure. There are a few times I want to hide myself away. But
usually you just cover it up the best you can and go on with it.
How do you like to relax?
Bubble bath is a lovely way to relax.
And what’s your favourite food?
Do I have to pick one thing? I love ‘rafaelos,’ Italian bonbons
covered in coconut with an almond centre and cream. Absolutely delicious.
What’s your idea of a perfect date?
Great conversation over sushi - I love sushi - followed by dancing a little
bit of salsa until 3am.
And what about a perfect man?
He has to be intelligent. Intelligence is the most attractive quality a man
can have. I like a man with an opinion who’s not afraid to express it
but [at the same time] cautious in the delivery. Someone with a sense of humour
who likes the fact I’m a bit quirky. I love a guy who enjoys dancing
irrespective if he thinks he’s good [at it] or not. The fact he can
go out there and enjoy himself. It would be nice if he was taller than I am,
physically fit and family-orientated. You’re going to have to love your
mummy if you’re going to love me.
