By Ana Datiashvili
Georgia’s biggest summer news story didn’t involve reneging ex-ministers. It wasn’t about malfunctioning missiles, state privatizations or government shakeups.
The country’s most urgent contretemps revolved around an 18-year-old divorcee and an international beauty pageant.
Unless you spent the summer huddled in a Vardzia cave, you’ve heard bits and pieces of the story. This is all of it.
A questionable victory
On July 14 in sunny seaside Batumi, the Miss Georgia beauty pageant crowned 18-year-old Nino Likuchova its lucky 2007 winner. But when Likuchova placed that peacock-esque diadem upon her head, she contravened five decades of international Miss World bylaws.
Ms. Likuchova was married. Or was she? In Georgia, a simple question often isn’t.
The unwilling bride
The first spark in an inflammatory controversy came when intrepid Alia journalist Dito Tikaradze dug up wedding photos and records of a bitter court case. When the Alia journo called Likuchova to ask about the nuptial stills, he says, Likuchova denied ever being married. The newspaper went ahead and published the story August 2. The abrupt scrutiny forced Likuchova to confront a trauma she would rather have left in her past. The embattled Miss Georgia retracted her denial, and went public with her story: she was bride kidnapped.
“I didn’t have a happy face, and anyone could guess after seeing my pictures that I was not a real bride,” she calmly told the cameras on an Imedi TV talk show. “I agreed to the wedding, because [his family] was menacing me, and I saw that this was the only way to get rid of them.”
He said, she said, he won
Likuchova never explained the history between her and Merab Abashidze. Wedding photos show a blue-suited man, young but with graying hair, half-smiling as he props himself upright with crutches. His 16-year-old bride wears a white veil over an inscrutable face. No one is saying what happened between the wedding day and Likuchova’s day in court. Their church wedding was never legally registered, so the court case was not for a divorce—it was to press charges against Abashidze for abducting her. But after learning her alleged kidnapper faced more than two decades in the slammer, Likuchova recounts, she had a change of heart.
“I would be pitiless, if I let sit him in prison for 22 years,” she later said. “That’s why I decided to change my testimony—but this kindness went against me.”
In a bitter turnaround, Likuchova’s recantation led to her being convicted of perjury and placed on two years’ probation. Abashidze strenuously denies having resorted to kidnapping his inamorata.
“I never did anything to her by force. If I wanted to become her legitimate husband by force, I would have taken her to [the Tbilisi registrar’s office], but we were in church, having our marriage blessed,” Abashidze told tenacious journalists as the story unfolded.
The court believed him. According to Alia, he won the case by showing the court his wedding photographs—and by pointing out the difficulties he, a physically handicapped man, would have in forcing a teenage girl to marry him.
The controversy continues…and continues…
Miss World’s preliminary national competitions are carried out by license holders from Brazil to Angola to Romania. Ia Kintsmarishvili’s Image Center is the license holder of Miss Georgia for five years running.
“I protest against the violence,” Kintsmarishvili said. “Nino [Likuchova] was a victim, so instead of discussing her eligibility, we should think about how many girls are stuck in the same situation, and how they’ll get out if it.”
Despite her apparent concern for victimized young women, Kintsmarishvili kept media attention on the Miss Georgia competition. The pageant organizer convened a series of coquettish press conferences throughout the summer, each time promising to disclose the professional fate of the unfortunate M(r)s. Likuchova—and repeatedly pushing off any final announcements for yet another Image Center-sponsored press event.
By September, the time had come to put the scandal to rest.
The Image Center matriarch went on live TV to make her announcement: the council of esteemed beauty pageant jurists had reached its decision. Miss Georgia Nino Likuchova would keep her sparkling tiara, the council decreed, and the prizes—including a shiny new Peugeot—lavished upon her as the most beautiful woman in Georgia. But she would not be going to China to vie for the global title. Instead, second runner-up and lifelong bachelorette Tamuna Nemsitsveridze will carry Georgia’s hopes and dreams on her size 0 shoulders.
And the first runner-up, Nino Lekveishvili? She too was wed in younger days, the 20 year old admitted. Organizers stripped her of her title, elevating Nemsitsveridze to second place.
Miss World’s international headquarters told the Messenger they’re nothing but sympathetic bystanders in the dramatic tale of Miss Georgia 2007.
“Our reaction here is one of sadness for both the Miss Georgia Organisation and Nino Likuchova and anybody else that is involved in forcing anyone to do anything against their will,” said Julia Morley, a Miss World spokeswoman.
A teenage girl, trying to move on
At just 18, Likuchova is burdened with memories of a tragic wedding and a wrecked modelling career. And yet, coming clean on national television, she asked for forgiveness and understanding.
“I want to apologize to the public, and to the pageant jury…I never felt like I was married. I consulted with priests, and they told me that an obligatory ceremony does not make a real marriage. Getting married was the only way for me to get out of that hell. I was just trying to get back to my family.”
Now, Likuchova is back at university in Batumi, trying to put the entire episode behind her.
She would not put up a fight if they decided to take her title, she says: it’s caused her enough trouble already.
Source: The Messenger
Friday, October 5, 2007
THE REIGNING MISS UNIVERSE ARRIVES IN ST.KITTS
Yes this is correct - St. Kitts!
Miss Universe & the Steel Orchestra. (Photo by Saju N’Galla)
Basseterre, St. Kitts, 5th October, 2007 – St. Kitts continues to welcome the world and the universe to its shores, as the, the reigning Miss Universe Miss Riyo Mori, arrived on the island yesterday.
Mr. Eversley Liburd, CEO of the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend, extended an invitation to the recently crowned Miss Universe® to be a special guest of honour at the event, which takes place from October 5-7, 2007.
Miss Universe warmly accepted and plans were put in place by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for her journey to the island and her experience there. She was greeted and welcomed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Richard Skerritt who introduced her to Calypso Rose, who arrived on island simultaneously. Calypso Rose is due to perform at the launch of National Carnival(Saturday 6th October). Both Miss Universe and Calypso Rose were presented with extravagant bouquets by Minister Skerritt.
Within hours of her arrival Miss Universe, attended a Welcome Reception in her honour sponsored by Marshalls Restaurant, Beaumont Park and Driftwood. In attendance were local dignitaries, designers, models and the management team of the 2nd annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend. Miss Universe was all smiles as she mingled with her fellow guests and gladly took pictures with those who asked. She made time to take a memorable photo with a young group who provided wonderful music on their steel pans during the night. 
Hon. Prime Minister Denzil Douglas & Miss Universe, Riyo Mori at a Welcome Reception held at Marhsalls, Frigate Bay.(Photo by Saju N’Galla)
Minister R. Skerritt & Miss Universe, Riyo Mori in the VIP Lounge at the R.L.B Airport (Photo by Garth Archibald)
Today Miss Universe will receive a full tour of the island and gain first-hand knowledge of St. Kitts’ scenic natural beauty, rich history and genuinely friendly people. This afternoon, she will speak to approximately 200 teenagers about her causes, which include raising HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women’s health and reproductive issues.
“We’re pleased to welcome the reigning Miss Universe to St. Kitts,” commented Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture for St. Kitts & Nevis. “As a symbol of success and strength for women across the world, she is certain to inspire and educate our youth. We hope that she will come to love our island during her stay with us and want to come back again.”
Riyo Mori expressed how happy she was to be on St. Kitts and in the Caribbean and was overwhelmed by the hospitality she received on her arrival and throughout. She finds the island breathtaking and has fallen in love with the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Arrival of Miss Universe
Miss Universe, Riyo Mori & Mr. Eversley Liburd, CEO of the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend(Photo by Garth Archibald)
Riyo Mori was crowned Miss Universe on May 28, 2007 at the age of 20. Hailing from Shizuoka, Japan, she left home at the age of 16 to study abroad in Canada and reached New York at 19 years old. Through her travels and studies, Riyo has been able to master adapting to different environments, the importance of learning foreign languages and the need for intercultural understanding. She aspires to use her reign as Miss Universe to spread a message of empowerment and independence to women all across the globe.
The 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend is part of the island’s Tourism Awareness Month of activities. St. Kitts Fashion Weekend will include a concert, food fair, wine tasting, beach event, farewell reception and the star-studded runway fashion show at the St. Kitts Marriott Event Center featuring fine clothing by designers from St. Kitts, the Caribbean and the world. Additional details for the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend will be confirmed in the coming months. Visit www.stkittsfashionweekend.com for the most current information.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as water sports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.
Source: SKN Vibes
Miss Universe & the Steel Orchestra. (Photo by Saju N’Galla) Basseterre, St. Kitts, 5th October, 2007 – St. Kitts continues to welcome the world and the universe to its shores, as the, the reigning Miss Universe Miss Riyo Mori, arrived on the island yesterday.
Mr. Eversley Liburd, CEO of the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend, extended an invitation to the recently crowned Miss Universe® to be a special guest of honour at the event, which takes place from October 5-7, 2007.
Miss Universe warmly accepted and plans were put in place by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for her journey to the island and her experience there. She was greeted and welcomed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Richard Skerritt who introduced her to Calypso Rose, who arrived on island simultaneously. Calypso Rose is due to perform at the launch of National Carnival(Saturday 6th October). Both Miss Universe and Calypso Rose were presented with extravagant bouquets by Minister Skerritt.
Within hours of her arrival Miss Universe, attended a Welcome Reception in her honour sponsored by Marshalls Restaurant, Beaumont Park and Driftwood. In attendance were local dignitaries, designers, models and the management team of the 2nd annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend. Miss Universe was all smiles as she mingled with her fellow guests and gladly took pictures with those who asked. She made time to take a memorable photo with a young group who provided wonderful music on their steel pans during the night.
Hon. Prime Minister Denzil Douglas & Miss Universe, Riyo Mori at a Welcome Reception held at Marhsalls, Frigate Bay.(Photo by Saju N’Galla) Minister R. Skerritt & Miss Universe, Riyo Mori in the VIP Lounge at the R.L.B Airport (Photo by Garth Archibald)Today Miss Universe will receive a full tour of the island and gain first-hand knowledge of St. Kitts’ scenic natural beauty, rich history and genuinely friendly people. This afternoon, she will speak to approximately 200 teenagers about her causes, which include raising HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women’s health and reproductive issues.
“We’re pleased to welcome the reigning Miss Universe to St. Kitts,” commented Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture for St. Kitts & Nevis. “As a symbol of success and strength for women across the world, she is certain to inspire and educate our youth. We hope that she will come to love our island during her stay with us and want to come back again.”
Riyo Mori expressed how happy she was to be on St. Kitts and in the Caribbean and was overwhelmed by the hospitality she received on her arrival and throughout. She finds the island breathtaking and has fallen in love with the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Arrival of Miss Universe Miss Universe, Riyo Mori & Mr. Eversley Liburd, CEO of the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend(Photo by Garth Archibald)Riyo Mori was crowned Miss Universe on May 28, 2007 at the age of 20. Hailing from Shizuoka, Japan, she left home at the age of 16 to study abroad in Canada and reached New York at 19 years old. Through her travels and studies, Riyo has been able to master adapting to different environments, the importance of learning foreign languages and the need for intercultural understanding. She aspires to use her reign as Miss Universe to spread a message of empowerment and independence to women all across the globe.
The 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend is part of the island’s Tourism Awareness Month of activities. St. Kitts Fashion Weekend will include a concert, food fair, wine tasting, beach event, farewell reception and the star-studded runway fashion show at the St. Kitts Marriott Event Center featuring fine clothing by designers from St. Kitts, the Caribbean and the world. Additional details for the 2nd Annual St. Kitts Fashion Weekend will be confirmed in the coming months. Visit www.stkittsfashionweekend.com for the most current information.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as water sports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.
Source: SKN Vibes
Smith shares Miss USA journey on trip home
Smith to be featured in MTV reality series
By JAMIE DEXTER
The Leaf-Chronicle
Just one year ago, Rachel Smith was just like any other college student.
"I was a college student at Belmont University getting my journalism degree and trying to figure out what my thesis was going to be on and get that out of the way so I could graduate in December," Smith said while standing in front of the Montgomery County Court Complex.
Since then, Smith was crowned Miss Tennessee USA at last year's pageant, then later crowned Miss USA — the second from Clarksville to achieve that honor — and finished fourth runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant.
Saturday, Smith will be handing off the crown to the new Miss Tennessee USA winner.
Things have changed drastically for her since then — she went from "cruising through Clarksville in my Beetle" to arriving for a public appearance in a white stretch limo, escorted by several units from the Clarksville Police Department.
"It's a complete 180," Smith said, showcasing her signature smile that would put even the most nervous greeters at ease.
Since being crowned Miss USA, Smith said she's been up to a whole lot more than could be shared in a few minutes' time — from putting her journalism talents at work interviewing celebrities at a philanthropic summit in Spain to introducing Wyclef John during a concert at Radio City Music Hall.
"I've been in this gig now for 6 months maybe, and so far I've traveled to Kenya for a volunteer project through a non-profit organization in New York called Project Sunshine," Smith said. "I've emceed an event at the White House for Black Music Month ... at a philanthropic event in Spain I got to walk the red carpet at the gala and turn around and interview A-list celebrities there including Eva Longoria, Goldie Hawn, Paris Hilton — It was insane."
She's also featured in a MTV reality television show, "Pageant Place," where cameras capture her life along with the lives of Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss Teen USA Katie Blair.
Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner and Miss Teen USA Hilary Cruz are also featured on the show — airing Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
"It's been interesting," Smith said. "I've been able to do some incredible things during the time of the reality show — some things I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do otherwise."
Smith said the girls don't have a say in the editing process, so she said it will be interesting watching along with the audiences at home.
"They follow us on appearances and catch the drama, or lack thereof, that goes on behind the scenes on the way to events," Smith said.
Despite being a very busy woman, Smith said there are a lot of things she misses about her hometown.
"My family, of course," Smith said. "I miss going down to the Riverwalk with my dog, Zoe ... and just seeing everyone. You couldn't go to Wal-Mart without seeing someone you knew, ya know?"
Smith said that even rang true when she returned to see her family for her homecoming, and she went grocery shopping with her mom.
"I was in my pajamas, just casual grunge clothes, and people were like, 'Oh, there's Rachel Smith,' and taking pictures with camera phones," Smith said, laughing.
Before Smith made her way to meet the other Miss Tennessee USA contestants, she added the fact that Clarksville will always be her home.
"I can't thank you enough for your continued faith and support," Smith said about Clarksville.
"I will always give back to Clarksville ... And if you see me, say 'Hey, what's up,' because I'm always interested in knowing what's going on back home."
Source: The Leaf Chronicle
By JAMIE DEXTER
The Leaf-Chronicle
Just one year ago, Rachel Smith was just like any other college student.
"I was a college student at Belmont University getting my journalism degree and trying to figure out what my thesis was going to be on and get that out of the way so I could graduate in December," Smith said while standing in front of the Montgomery County Court Complex.
Since then, Smith was crowned Miss Tennessee USA at last year's pageant, then later crowned Miss USA — the second from Clarksville to achieve that honor — and finished fourth runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant.
Saturday, Smith will be handing off the crown to the new Miss Tennessee USA winner.
Things have changed drastically for her since then — she went from "cruising through Clarksville in my Beetle" to arriving for a public appearance in a white stretch limo, escorted by several units from the Clarksville Police Department.
"It's a complete 180," Smith said, showcasing her signature smile that would put even the most nervous greeters at ease.
Since being crowned Miss USA, Smith said she's been up to a whole lot more than could be shared in a few minutes' time — from putting her journalism talents at work interviewing celebrities at a philanthropic summit in Spain to introducing Wyclef John during a concert at Radio City Music Hall.
"I've been in this gig now for 6 months maybe, and so far I've traveled to Kenya for a volunteer project through a non-profit organization in New York called Project Sunshine," Smith said. "I've emceed an event at the White House for Black Music Month ... at a philanthropic event in Spain I got to walk the red carpet at the gala and turn around and interview A-list celebrities there including Eva Longoria, Goldie Hawn, Paris Hilton — It was insane."
She's also featured in a MTV reality television show, "Pageant Place," where cameras capture her life along with the lives of Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss Teen USA Katie Blair.
Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner and Miss Teen USA Hilary Cruz are also featured on the show — airing Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
"It's been interesting," Smith said. "I've been able to do some incredible things during the time of the reality show — some things I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do otherwise."
Smith said the girls don't have a say in the editing process, so she said it will be interesting watching along with the audiences at home.
"They follow us on appearances and catch the drama, or lack thereof, that goes on behind the scenes on the way to events," Smith said.
Despite being a very busy woman, Smith said there are a lot of things she misses about her hometown.
"My family, of course," Smith said. "I miss going down to the Riverwalk with my dog, Zoe ... and just seeing everyone. You couldn't go to Wal-Mart without seeing someone you knew, ya know?"
Smith said that even rang true when she returned to see her family for her homecoming, and she went grocery shopping with her mom.
"I was in my pajamas, just casual grunge clothes, and people were like, 'Oh, there's Rachel Smith,' and taking pictures with camera phones," Smith said, laughing.
Before Smith made her way to meet the other Miss Tennessee USA contestants, she added the fact that Clarksville will always be her home.
"I can't thank you enough for your continued faith and support," Smith said about Clarksville.
"I will always give back to Clarksville ... And if you see me, say 'Hey, what's up,' because I'm always interested in knowing what's going on back home."
Source: The Leaf Chronicle
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)