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WHY DID YOU JOIN THE MISS BAHAMAS UNIVERSE COMPETITION?
I entered the Miss Bahamas Universe pageant for the opportunity to be an ambassador for my country and to be a positive role model, not only for children, but for all Bahamians.
IF YOU WERE TO BECOME MISS BAHAMAS 2009, WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING THAT YOU WOULD DO?
Besides being overwhelmed with emotions of JOY and wishing my mother a Happy Birthday, I would first give thanks to God and express my gratitude to my sponsors, family, friends, and others who have supported me during this event by keeping me in their prayers, extending their love and generously offering their emotional and financial support.
WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE OR UNUSUAL THING THAT HAS HAPPEN TO YOU IN YOUR LIFE?
The most unusual thing that happened to me was in my spring semester of my junior year of undergraduate school. Here I am in Syracuse, NY in 12 inches of snow registering for a tropical marine biology class based on tropical marine life in the Bahamas to be followed up with two weeks of research in San Salvador during the summer. I sat there thinking, “A class full of mostly NY natives taught by a NY native? What could I possibly learn that I don't already know?” To cut a long story short, I have never learned more about our marine life in my then 19 years of living than I did in that one semester, which was completely unexpected. That New Yorker was able to educate me on more that I could have ever dreamed was out there in our Bahamian waters and as my classmates became more knowledgeable, they grew angry with me as a representative of the Bahamian people for not abiding by certain coral and fishing laws. They simply could not fathom how we could allow such beauty to be harmed. I thought to myself, “If a group of foreigners to the Bahamas could feel so strongly about what we have, why can’t we at least appreciate it?” In essence, I developed a greater appreciation for my country and its marine life through these non-Bahamians and my expectations of the course were entirely exceeded giving me more experience under water and more knowledge of our barrier reefs in the two weeks in San Salvador with them, than I did residing in the Bahamas my entire life. For someone like me who loves to praise the Bahamas, especially to non-citizens, informing them about our way of life, this occurrence showcased itself as very unusual.
GIVE AN IDEA OF WHAT YOUR NATIONAL COSTUME WILL BE AND WHAT DOES IT REPRESENTS?
My national costume will depict the majestic national bird of our country - the flamingo. This bird represents the beauty, grace, flexibility, colorfulness and independence of the Bahamian people.
WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO AS MISS BAHAMAS 2009?
As Miss Bahamas 2009, I would like to increase environmental awareness in my country through waste management, recycling, water and energy conservation. I would like to see our entire nation join together in a conservation effort to preserve and protect our natural resources. Secondly, it's important for me as Miss Bahamas to raise the level of HIV/AIDS awareness in my country. Statistics show that 3% of our nation is living with HIV/AIDS. I believe that education and abstinence are the answers. Last but not least I see the role of Miss Bahamas as one where I will market and promote tourism in my travels abroad, representing my country with grace, integrity and faith in a way that inspires and encourage others to be the best they can be.
DO YOU FEEL THAT SWIMSUIT CONTESTS AT BEAUTY PAGEANTS DEGRADE WOMEN?
I will have to disagree with that notion. I feel this is more empowering to women, and generates a higher level of self-esteem and awareness of health and fitness.
IF YOU HAD TO RESIDE ON ONE OF THE FAMILY ISLANDS IN THE BAHAMAS, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Without a shadow of a doubt, I would reside on Long Island. Long island is filled with unspoiled natural treasures, like surreal beaches, the world's deepest blue hole, huge caves and other natural beauties that are evenly distributed throughout its 80 miles of length. The level of community expressed through the natives is like none other; creating feelings of warmth and acceptance throughout the settlements that come together as one big family, especially during times of crisis.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR AND WHY?
For as long as I can remember, my favorite color has been green. It is the color of nature and health, two areas of life that I am most passionate about. It represents an opportunity to be ripened through the nourishment of mother earth, therefore enhancing growth. Green also represents the heart chakra, symbolizing the love that must be present in all that we do and say.
TELL VIEWERS A LITTLE ABOUT THE BAHAMAS AND WHY YOU LOVE IT SO!
The Bahamas is ranked the 5th happiest place in the world to live, by a survey conducted in the UK, and this is not the least bit surprising. Not only is the Bahamas the land of sun, sand and sea - a tourist haven. It is a nation of heart and soul; rich in love and unity. This is why "it is better in the Bahamas." The warm sun highlights the loving nature of our citizens toward each other and the soft sand resembles our soft-heartedness toward humanity and the kindness we exhibit in our day-to-day living, and our tranquil waters exemplify the peaceful, quiet and soothing feelings that flow through the hearts of our Bahamian people.Growing up in such a close-knit community has given me a deep appreciation of family and friends and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. |
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