Ever since Anea Garcia was dethroned from the title of Miss Grand International 2015, the Organisation has been amidst a lot of turmoil and chaos with official statements being issued by Anea Garcia and Mr Nawat Itsaragrisil.

The pageant that has been established with the aim of spreading peace, is currently suffering a dent in its reputation due to the on – going controversy. To save the staining image of the MGI Organisation, former Miss Grand International Lees Garcia came out in support of the organisation. Miss Grand International 2014, Lees Garcia issued an open letter on her official social media handle. The letter read:

 “An open letter to Future Miss Grand Queens:

I was crowned Miss Grand International 2014. What does this mean?

It means that the moment I won, I had to be prepared for interviews from all around the world, with different cultures and languages, and ready to speak about what we’re all afraid to speak of. Pain, war, and suffering. I was ready.

It means that many nights I was in my new home in Thailand, preparing for a trip to a new country, not knowing what to expect, or preparing a speech, or thinking about the next step; missing my home but always knowing that some people never had a home to go to, and I had two. I was always grateful.

It meant that sometimes I had to take a flight at 3 am full hair and makeup going to a country where my hotel had soap upon request, and barely any roads to get there. I always knew that this didn’t matter, because my purpose was not to travel in luxury, my purpose as queen was not to demand hair and makeup in a place that barely has food and water. My purpose was for them, and not for myself.

It means that many times I left with little hands not letting me go, tears in my eyes, not enough to give, and images I can never forget, but at the moment I cannot remember whether my hair looked good or my pictures were beautiful, because it didn’t matter then.

My experience as Miss Grand International was actually never really my experience, it was for me to show others what I had to give, to respect my position as much as others respected me as queen, and to respect everyone around me because they had chosen me to go on the journey.

Now, I will tell you right now the war is no safe place. The war is everywhere and dangers surround us even in our backyards. It takes a crazy person to wear this crown and take a flight to Syria. And yes, it’s scary. It’s really scary. Actually, it’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but I guess like Mr Nawat I shared a passion for the cause, and I trusted that he would take care of me. And indeed, he did, the organization always did.

The truth is to be Miss Grand is beyond a beauty pageant, it’s a true duty, and you have to be committed, prepared, and selfless. You have to be ready to make sacrifices, and go outside of your comfort zone. You have to be READY.

I hope with all my heart for Miss grands to come, to understand the position and commitment, and to understand that this kind of job is only one that can be done by a strong woman, with a desire to make a change and with a genuine heart.

Thank you to all the fans and supporters and my amazing Thailand. You are part of my family, I love you. And for you, future Miss Grand International, keep fighting!!”

Lees Garcia’s heart warming Open Letter has come out as a strong support for the Miss Grand International Organisation, and has also put Anea Garcia’s claim into question. Lees is indeed a true beauty queen by all means, and has once again won our hearts..!!

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