WHY DID YOU JOIN THE MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITION?
I have always wanted to be an ambassador for The Bahamas to show other countries that there is so much more to our country than the sun, sand and sea. We are a diverse people, built from centuries of rich and fascinating history. This is how we became the friendly and colorful people we are, which is one of our selling points for our guests. I also believe pageantry can develop women into beautiful, inspiring role models for all young women and girls.

IF YOU WERE TO BECOME MISS BAHAMAS 2009, WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING THAT YOU WOULD DO?
As the pageant coincides with graduations at schools, I would arrange through the Minister of Education to be a speaker at the graduation ceremonies of as many schools as possible. I would speak on setting goals; let them know, they can do it; help them to build confidence and self esteem. I would also contact past pageant contestants and Queens to join me in this endeavor. The youth need to know they can succeed in anything they do and at this time I would introduce my program: Twice a month, young girls can come and meet with us in a forum setting to discuss the trials and tribulations of growing up, planning their future and gaining confidence in self.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE OR UNUSUAL THING THAT HAS HAPPEN TO YOU IN YOUR LIFE?
When I was five, flying home on Easter Sunday from North Eleuthera to Nassau our engine failed. I was flying right seat with my dad as the pilot, my two sisters were in the middle and my mother and our dog were in the back. Even after that experience, I started flying at 15 and I feel like the world is mine when I am in the air. Needless to say, none of us fly on Easter Sunday and each year on this day we talk foolishness about the day whether it’s in person or by phone.

DO YOU THINK THE SWIMSUIT CONTEST AT BEAUTY PAGEANTS DEGRADES WOMEN?
By choice we wear spandex to the gym and bathing suits to the beach. I don’t think wearing a swimsuit in a contest should be any different.  If anything it should empower a woman and give them confidence in their own skin, also being fit is an important part of the title as you will need to participate in many functions simultaneously, so being fit is an asset.

GIVE AN IDEA OF WHAT YOUR NATIONAL COSTUME WILL BE AND WHAT DOES IT REPRESENT?
My national costume represents the Coat of Arms. The Coat of Arms is a representation of all the wonderful qualities our country has to offer inclusive of our beautiful climate, lush vegetation and breathtaking blue waters, and its motto resounds to me how strong our country is because “we move Forward, Upward, Onward, together” towards success in every possible way. This is why I chose it for my National Costume.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE T DO AS MISS BAHAMAS 2009?
The first thing would be to win the title of Miss Universe and bring the crown home. This would be monumental for the country and for all pageants that we have here to let people know that we can succeed on the world scene. Secondly I would like to widen awareness for the environmental campaign that I have started, “Go Clean Bahamas” and to continue to educate children through the school system about the importance of having pride in yourself, your community and your country. Finally, I would like to implement my teen empowerment program, along with the past contestants and Queens who will pass the message to all young girls.

IF YOU HAD TO RESIDE ON ONE OF THE FAMILY ISLANDS IN THE BAHAMAS, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Each island has its unique allure and I love them all, but I definitely take to Harbour Island more, this is because I grew up between Nassau and as we call it “briland”. I have many friends and loved ones there; Habour Island is definitely my “Home away from Home”.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR AND WHY?
Blue is my favorite color because it relaxes me no matter how much stress I have and inspires me to be creative.

TELL VIEWERS A LITTLE ABOUT THE BAHAMAS AND WHY YOU LOVE IT SO!
From Indians to Pirates, from explorers to slave traders, the Bahamas is steeped in centuries of a rich and fascinating history. The Bahamas got its name from the water around us being relatively shallow.”Baja Mar” is Spanish for shallow sea and the letter “J” in Spanish is pronounced like the English letter “H” making it should like Ba-Ha-Mar. Since the land masses were islands, the end result was Bahama Islands. We Bahamians celebrate our colorful history in many ways, including our music, our art, guided tours and exhibits as well as our annual festivals such as Junkanoo. I love my country because of all the rich history that has created us to be the diverse mix of friendly and colorful people that we are today.