By: Paul Sarran
March 31, 2026
For many Trinidadians and Tobagonians, the memory of Wendy Fitzwilliam standing on the Miss Universe stage in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1998 remains unforgettable. It was a proud moment for our nation. Families gathered around their televisions, waiting anxiously as she moved gracefully through every segment of the competition. When she was crowned Miss Universe, she did more than win a title. She gave a small Caribbean nation a moment of pride, confidence, and recognition before the world.
Like many people across Trinidad and Tobago, I remember being glued to my parents’ Big Back TV, watching every stage of the competition with excitement. There was something remarkable about the way Wendy carried herself. She spoke with intelligence, confidence, and dignity. She represented not only beauty, but also substance. Even then, she seemed different from the traditional image of a beauty queen.
What stood out most was her statement that, beyond becoming an attorney, she had a passion for politics. At the time, many may have heard those words and dismissed them as an ambitious dream spoken during an international competition. Yet years later, I still believe that Wendy Fitzwilliam has the qualities, discipline, and national appeal necessary to make a meaningful contribution to public life in Trinidad and Tobago.
Our country has reached a point where citizens are increasingly looking beyond traditional political figures. Many people are frustrated with the usual style of politics, which often appears too divided, too partisan, and too disconnected from ordinary people. Across the world, there has been growing interest in leaders who come from outside the political establishment and who bring fresh ideas, strong communication skills, and a genuine desire to serve. Wendy Fitzwilliam could be one of those figures for Trinidad and Tobago.
Her background already reflects several qualities that are important in public service. She is educated, internationally respected, and experienced in law and business. Over the years, she has maintained a reputation for professionalism and composure. More importantly, she has shown an understanding of the importance of representing Trinidad and Tobago positively, both at home and abroad. These are not small qualities. They are the same qualities that many citizens often say they want in those who serve in Parliament.
As a political scientist, I believe Wendy Fitzwilliam would be an excellent fit in national politics because she appears capable of bringing a different style of leadership. She is articulate, measured, and thoughtful. She has the ability to communicate with different groups of people, whether young professionals, community leaders, students, or members of the wider public. In a society as diverse as Trinidad and Tobago, that ability is extremely important.
Her presence in Parliament could also encourage greater participation by women and young people in public life. Although women have made important contributions to politics in Trinidad and Tobago, there is still room for greater representation and stronger female voices in leadership. Wendy Fitzwilliam would be a powerful example that women can contribute to politics not only through symbolism, but through competence, ideas, and effective service.
There is also an important regional example that supports this possibility. Jamaica’s Lisa Hanna, who won the Miss World title in 1993, successfully entered politics and went on to serve with distinction. She became a Member of Parliament and later held ministerial responsibilities. Her career demonstrated that success in the world of pageantry does not prevent someone from becoming a serious and effective political leader. Instead, the confidence, discipline, and public visibility gained through such experiences can become strengths in political life.
I have had the opportunity to meet Wendy Fitzwilliam personally while managing the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Port of Spain. In that meeting, she left a lasting impression on me. Beyond the title of Miss Universe, she came across as thoughtful, responsible, and genuinely concerned about the future of Trinidad and Tobago. She spoke with the kind of maturity and balance that are often needed in public leadership. From that experience, I felt even more strongly that she is someone capable of making sound and responsible decisions for our country.
Of course, entering politics is a personal choice, and it is one that comes with challenges and sacrifices. Public life can be demanding and often unforgiving. Yet if Wendy Fitzwilliam ever decides to answer that earlier passion for politics, I believe she would receive support from many citizens who continue to admire her integrity and her love for this country.
Trinidad and Tobago needs people who can inspire confidence, unite different communities, and bring a sense of dignity back to public service. Wendy Fitzwilliam has already represented our nation with honour on the international stage. Perhaps one day she may choose to serve it again, this time in Parliament, helping to shape a better future for the country she has always represented so proudly.
For those of us who watched her triumph in 1998, the hope remains that her intelligence, experience, and commitment may eventually find a place within the leadership of our republic and inspire another generation of citizens today.
The author holds a BSc in Political Science from The University of the West Indies.
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