After months of preparation and weeks of competition, the much anticipated Miss Bahamas Beauty pageant was held on Sunday night before a capacity crowd in the Atlantis Theatre, Paradise Island.
Pageant fans came out in droves to see who would capture the coveted titles up for grabs – Miss World Bahamas and Miss Bahamas Universe.
The show began with a jazzy opening dance choroegraphed by Artistic Director Lawrence Carroll, featuring the 14 contestants and Miss Bahamas 2010 Braneka Bassett in Sherri Hill dresses and shoes courtesy of Belle Image boutique.
After whipping their audience into a frenzy, the contestants then introduced themselves individually, acknowleging their sponsors in the process.
The audience was then introduced to the hosts for the evening, veteran broadcaster Jerome Sawyer and former Miss Bahamas and Miss Universe congeniality winner, Nakera Simms-Symonette.
An interview with the outgoing queen followed, in which Miss Bassett talked about her incredible year as Miss Bahamas and offered valuable advice to the two young ladies to whom she would pass the baton.
In her role as roving reporter, Braneka introduced the judges for the evening: internationally acclaimed photographer Fadil Berisha; high fashion model Flaviana Matata; jewelry and crown designer George Wittels, Miss Bahamas World 2007 Anya Watkins-Moussis; Miss Universe fashion director Alisha Crutchfield; fashion and travel writer Walter Greene; and MBO contestants manager Anishka Lockhart.
The contestants then hit the stage again, first in the swimsuit parade, then in evening gowns. Next up, special awards. Tempestt Stubbs captured two awards – Lady of Elegance and best skin; Anastagia Pierre – Miss Photogenic; LaShawn Gray – Miss Congeniality; Sherice King – Best hair; Sharie Delva – Best in Evening Gown; Kristen Duncombe – Miss Popularity; and Tyrhonda Knowles – MBO Spirit award. And then, the first cut of the night was announced, beginning with the 5 fast track winners. Advancing to the Top 10 were Sasha Joyce – Sportswoman; Daronique Young – Swimsuit; Sharie Delva – Talent; Brooke Sherman – People’s Choice; Kerel Pinder – Beauty with a Purpose; Anastagia Pierre; Kristy Evans; Kastachia Stuart; LaShawn Gray; and Sherice King.
The semifinalists then faced a personality interview on stage before the field was cut once again to the Top 5: Kristy Evans, Daronique Young, Anastagia Pierre, Sharie Delva and Sasha Joyce.
The final question was up next to determine which of the Top 5 would become title holders. They each had to answer an identical question: Of the two sexes, which is the stronger, women or men, and why? Each of the finalists chose women, albeit for very different reasons. The judges then made their final decision of the night.
In 5th place was Miss Abaco, Kristy Evans. Placing first runner up to Miss Bahamas Universe was Sharie Delva and first runner up to Miss World Bahamas was Daronique Young.
Taking home the title of Miss Bahamas Universe was Anastagia Pierre while Sasha Joyce captured the Miss World Bahamas title. Congratulations to the winners.
Source: Miss Bahamas News
