Princesse Issie, the reigning Miss Cameroon 2023, recently opened up about the challenges she faced during the 72nd Miss Universe competition held in El Salvador, as there was no Cameroonian flag to show her support.
In an exclusive interview with Yolande Bodiong on Sun TV, Issie candidly shared the obstacles she encountered while striving to showcase Cameroon on the international stage.
“Being in El Salvador felt lonely. It was a frustrating experience, even though I didn’t let it show. As you walk through the corridors, you see fans and supporters of other beauty queens, but there was no one from Cameroon. Not a single Cameroonian flag was visible anywhere in El Salvador,” Issie expressed during the interview.
Despite her distinguished representation of Cameroon, Issie pointed out the absence of a dedicated fan zone for encouragement. “It was challenging for me to be captured on film because the photographers were all there for their respective Miss contestants. I had to be strategic, finding ways to insert myself into their photos or videos since I had no one to take pictures of me,” she explained.
Issie also shared some tactical approaches she adopted to draw attention to Cameroon, including joining gatherings and changing tables during launch periods. Responding to questions about conflicts, she emphasized maintaining her singular focus on her purpose.
“I didn’t engage in any negative vibes. If someone approached me with complaints about another candidate, I would simply encourage them to let it go,” Issie noted.
Despite Princesse Issie’s remarkable 13th-place finish in the Miss Universe 72nd edition, a historic achievement for Cameroon, concerns were raised about the limited support on the ground compared to the enthusiastic social media backing.
“This online support should have translated into physical presence; she needed more backing in El Salvador,” remarked a critic.
Issie’s dedication, hard work, and undeniable charm resonated on the global stage, highlighting the pageant’s commitment to empowering women and advocating for social causes.
The 2023 Miss Universe pageant unfolded on November 18, 2023, at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador. Princesse Issie’s performance not only showcased physical beauty but also intelligence and a commitment to social causes.
Looking forward, she suggested improvements for future editions, stating, “Cameroon should send their candidate with cameramen and a dedicated fan base.” This observation underscores the significance of support and representation for countries participating in global events of this nature.
