RHONDOR DOWLAT Sunday, August 27 2006

At 14, she has hit what’s easily one of the most prestigious world stages of the performing arts.

Winsie-Ann Cuffie recently took her remarkable singing and modelling talent to Hollywood.

The gospel artiste performed on the same stage with over 1,000 world-class participants from some 42 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Germany and Russia. In addition to winning coveted awards, Winsie-Ann was featured in the esteemed “Directory of Worldstars” Hollywood publication.

The form four student describes her experience at Hollywood’s Worldstars Championship of the Performing Arts held in California, as “one of the most enriching” experiences she has ever had.

“To perform at this highly prestigious international level and be exposed to the world’s best in training, coaching and performing techniques and of course, prove that you have what it takes to stand among the very best, is just mind-blowing to me. I give all the glory to the Lord. It’s all by His grace and empowerment,” she remarked.

Winsie-Ann said that although she deeply appreciated “whatever tangible awards and all the accolades that have come my way,” she believes that the greatest benefits are really in the “many great lessons” learnt from the very exposure to the “numerous invaluable facets” of the programme.

“I have also made quite a number of friends from various parts of the world. I was deeply moved by the tremendous response and depth of appreciation they displayed for my music and talent. I will never forget the great feeling of fulfillment,” she said. “The personal feedback and evaluations I received from world famous authorities, on my overall performances in both areas – singing and modelling – have enormously enhanced my self-confidence.”

“I wish to congratulate all the other participants of TT, as well. They really did our nation proud. A special thanks to Carivog and the Ministry of Culture and Gender Affairs for the extremely vital roles that they have played in allowing all of us this blessed opportunity,” she said.

Winsie-Ann will soon be heading to Canada, where she is booked for several performances.