When I met Samantha in 2004, she and I often sat in adjoining desks at The College of the Bahamas where we both took a course called English 301. As I remember her, she was always cracking a joke and as we read each other’s articles she made an excellent peer editor.
Her genuine humour and pleasant disposition had to be the reason she was chosen by her peers in Miss Bahamas Universe 2006 to be both Miss Amity and Most Popular. When asked about winning Ms Amity and Ms Popularity, the queen says that she was herself throughout the competition. “It makes no sense pretending because what’s on the inside eventually comes out. I stayed true and was my normal, energetic, personable self.” Apparently, what she said was quite true because all accounts of her behaviour suggested that she was a ball of energy, very fun to be around and always positive.
It is no wonder that she edged her way to victory in the Miss Bahamas Universe Pageant held Sunday, March 26 at the Rainforest Theatre. Her poise, confidence and laser sharp wit left no doubt in the judges’ minds as to whom the new queen should be. She is a testimony that beauty and intelligence are not mutually exclusive. Time seemed to stand still as the audience awaited the name of the winner of Miss Bahamas Universe. Fourth Runner-up, Aquelle Plakaris; Third Runner -up, Jackeria Evans; Second Runner-up, Rheynishka Farquharson; First Runner-up, Leandra Pratt and Samantha Carter was crowned Miss Bahamas Universe 2006.
When asked about how she felt now that the pageant was over, Ms Carter says, “I had the support of all my friends and family to take me through. I worked hard, I believed in myself and I prepared. Being with nine other young ladies was a beautiful experience – fun and exciting. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”
Carter has made it clear that she will not be a poster queen. She intends to take responsibility for her reign and go into the schools and communities to make her presence felt. “My platform is Dare to Care. I will not be one of those queens who sit on the front page of local newspapers for one week and then disappear until the next pageant. I will not wait for the committee to tell me what I am going to do. I’m going to keep the excitement of my reign alive by being involved with children and the schools as much as possible. I will be visible in the communities. I will be a visible example of someone who cares. How can I be an example, a good role model if no-one sees me?” she says.
Carter is one queen that we all look forward to seeing and hearing from in the very near future.
By: Bodine Johnson, The Nassau Guardian
