Under the theme "What lies beneath", Esteem Productions will be presenting the public with their first pageant. The event takes place this Sunday, July 30 at 8p.m. at Breezes, Cable Beach.
The pageant features full-figured women (including married women) between the ages of 18 and 35, who are with or without children. Categories include an interview, poise presentation, evening gown competition, talent and Miss Photogenic competitions.
In order to prepare themselves, the contestants have participated in a series of activities, including self-enhancement, etiquette and personal grooming classes and health and nutrition seminars. The nine voluptuous beauties are Rita A. Cartwright (Miss White Rose), Shonique L. Miller (Miss African Violet), Juliette L. Farquharson (Miss Dandelion), Yolanda R. Maynard (Miss Hibiscus), Christal R. Bastian-Adderley (Miss Poinciana), Shekera T. Lightbourne (Miss Orchid), Glendina E. Rolle (Miss Bird of Paradise), Savannah D. G. Rolle (Miss Calla Lilly) and Balinda A. Johnson (Miss Marigold).
Pageant organisers are optimistic that the event will be a success and are asking the public to support their efforts. "We believe that for too long, the full-figured women of our country and indeed our world have been made to feel inferior and abnormal when in fact, there are far more women, especially in The Bahamas, who are full-figured and voluptuous than those who are not," said Rayette McDonald, Director and Committee Chair of Esteem Productions.
Betty Vedrine, Nassau Guardian Features Writer
