Quick Stats
     
   

Miss Chantwell - Shawna Nicole Maharaj

Age: 20

Occupation: Student

Interests/Hobbies: It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword… my best form of relaxation is drawing or writing. I am a true socialite and I enjoy live entertainment. Latin dance parties are definitely on my list of favourites. A competitive game of lawn tennis also grabs my attention.

  
     
    Send Miss Chantwell an email
     
Photos by Butch Limchoy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on you:
  It’s actually a very close relative, an uncle. Humble best describes him. His simple personality is overwhelmingly warm and lovable. He possesses that rare ability to remain serene and positive in almost any situation. He is admired for having strong family values and remains both a pinnacle in the family and a very important part of my life.
   
    What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you (aside from being in the pageant)?
  I was researching the current HIV/AIDS situation in Trinidad and Tobago late last year and conducting interviews was part of the research process. I met an HIV/AIDS victim who was more motivated about life than anyone I had ever met before, even me. My interview became a regular conversation and miraculously turned into a motivational session. The last words of the ‘interview’ were, “Press on positively!” I was truly amazed and my interests in the subject grew even more.
   
    What is the most interesting thing about you?
  I think memories have timeless value and I always find a way to preserve the special moments, events, experiences and even the people I’ve met. Funny enough this could be from my regular photo albums, dozens of film recordings, old journals, or letters to my compilation of quotes and my one hundred and sixty dollar collection of autographed single dollar bills. I even kept a leaf from my first visit to Tobago.
 
 


What is your career ambition and what are you doing or planning to do to accomplish that goal?
  My career ambitions are embedded in the media and more so advertising and marketing. I tend to be creative and my knack for writing coupled with my love for art have led me in this direction. I am currently pursuing Mass Media and Communications with the UWI School of Continuing Studies with intensions to pursue the degree program at Mona, Jamaica next year.
   
 


List any special talents you may have:
Apart from dancing and writing, I possess that distinct ability to look on the bright side, find the good in any situation and sometimes help others see the same.
   
 


What one word describes you best?
Effervescent. I enjoy making others laugh (I always find some degree of humor in every situation) and I tend to be cheerful, bubbly and buzzing all the time.
   
 



What is your life motto?
‘Perseverance Wins Success.’ I enjoy using quotes and it was the very first quote that I was exposed to. It became my personal motto and has remained with me ever since.
   
    What is your Pageant Platform?
    Owing to recent extensive research on HIV/AIDS and my experiences at organizations such as RAPPORT and CAREC and even with HIV/AIDS victims, my concerns are related not so much to awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS but more so, the ills of stigmatization and discrimination.
   
    Who is your favorite local personality/celebrity and why?
  Machel Montano exemplifies determination, fervor and the unique skill of adapting to change. Fueled by creativity, youth, a strong support system and an understanding of the parallel between entertainment and globalization, he projects a vibrant, forceful and ever-changing image. It is with these qualities in mind that many admire him and indeed make him my favorite local celebrity.
 
  List any clubs, organizations or charities of which you are a member.
  None at present