Miss Trinidad & Tobago

Kenisha Nalisha Finita Thom

Kenisha grew up on the island of Tobago, one of the two islands that make up Trinidad & Tobago. Tobago has exotic beaches, one of which is actually called "Warm Pool" because it is famous for it’s all year round warm water. Kenisha is currently studying for her Level II Association of Chartered Certified Accounts (QCCA), her ambition is to be a Professional Accountant. In addition to her education Kenisha has always worked with the Water and Sewerage Authority, first as a Customer Relations Officer and recently was promoted to Purchase Requisitions Clerk. Being the only girl of four siblings she was always competing with her brothers and became involved in sports at an early age, was in the track & field team, 4 x 100 metre relay, long jump, shot put, won 2 championship trophies in lawn tennis, certificate for outstanding performance in netball, Has performed traditional African as well as French and Spanish dances and participated in the T & T Drama Festival. Her motto is " Work hard, treat others as you want to be treated and look forward always, and good things will come your way".


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
I grew up in the island of Tobago, one of the islands that make up Trinidad &Tobago.My home shares the same exotic beaches as some of my country’s most luxurious hotels. The beach is actually called Warm Pool, because it is famous for it’s year round warm water. I feel lucky to live in what is considered a small community, where the sense of community spirit is very much alive. My hometown is called Hampden Lowlands and is only 10 minutes away from the capital Scarborough. My parents have 4 children (including me) and we have a very close and united family life.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
My very first job is probably the most bizarre one I have ever had. At the age of 14, during my vacation time, I picked up gardening to earn pocket money. I would plant trees, prune hedges and even munch soil to keep the plants fertile. Looking back, I actually enjoyed it because such a beauty surrounded me. Since leaving school and still today, I work with the Water and Sewerage Authority. My first position was a Customer Relations Officer and was recently promoted to a Purchase Requisitions Clerk because of my responsibility.

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
I am presently attaining my Level II Association of Chartered Certified Accounts (ACCA) on my way to becoming a Professional Accountant. I hope one day to be privileged enough so that I can have the freedom to devote my time to assist children who have not had the ‘Mothering ‘ that I have been fortunate to have in my formative years.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
My proudest moment to date has to be my contribution as part of the Sylphil’s Children Home. Together, after 3 years of fund raising, we were able to acquire land, which will be used for the building of a home where underprivileged children will one day live.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
I’ve had many funny and embarrassing moments, but one recent one comes to mind. I was kayaking for the first time with friends and not doing a very good job of it, but of course trying to look good amongst the group. Not paying full attention, I approached a swamp, panicked and overturned.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
Though I come from a home with strict morals and values and look to myself as a responsible person. Because of the attention I receive (especially in my island of Tobago), I feel conscious of having to be more responsible not only to myself, but to those around me and I actually feel better for it.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
After winning Miss Trinidad & Tobago, I had a homecoming arranged by the Government of Tobago though I’ve met our leader Sec.Orville London before. Being received in an official capacity for the first time, having the ability to share some of my goals and opinions on social issues. His interest in my thoughts and dreams and his acting on them, where progress has already been made, fascinated me because I was able to see power positively used.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
I have always respected the organisation of Miss World because of their focus on charity attention to children. If I were to be Miss World 2004, I will work endlessly in anyway to benefit and assist charities especially related to children. As I read in a Unicef document, the key to ending the cycle of poverty begins with providing for children.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
My grandmother always says: "work hard, treat others as you want to be treated and look forward always, and good things will come your way".

Give details of any charitable work undertaken?
As and adolescent, I was actively involved with the Red Cross where we would visit retirement homes where we would read, play and event cook to entertain the elderly.

During high school I was part of the 4H Club. This was interesting in that we would cultivate crops where the sales or the actual produce would be donated to those in need. Based on academic performance and overall attitude, I was selected to be a member of the Young Leaders’ Programme where my group decided to develop the infrastructure of playgrounds for 2 high schools. Today, those very playgrounds are still being use.

For the last 3 years I have been working with the Sylphil Home where I tutor underprivileged children. Since becoming Miss Trinidad & Tobago I have been able to bring many positive developments to them.

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