NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas will host its first major international pageant, the 35th Annual Miss Intercontinental Pageant October 6-17 at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium.
Mrs. Gaynell Rolle, chairperson of the Miss Bahamas Universe Committee, announced at a recent press conference at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Housing that more than 50 international beauty queens will compete in the Miss Intercontinental Pageant, one of the world’s largest and oldest pageants.
The Miss Bahamas University Committee has teamed up with the Minister of Youth, Sports and Housing, the Ministry of Tourism and other private companies to host the international event.
“During our attendance at the Miss Universe 2005 Pageant, while in discussion with other national directors of the Miss Universe Pageant, I mentioned what wonders await persons visiting The Bahamas and what a joy it would be for us to have them in The Bahamas,” Ms. Rolle said.
She said a regional president of The Miss Intercontinental Pageant promised her: “One day we will take you up on that offer.”
Mrs. Rolle said The Bahamas has participated in the Miss Intercontinental Pageant for the past two years and has “undoubtedly made its mark.”
“We are indeed humbled by this opportunity to showcase our beloved country to the world and thankful to God for the opportunity to put into motion the talents he has given us,” Mrs. Rolle said.
Mrs. Rolle said when she was first approached by the organizers of the Miss Intercontinental Pageant, her immediate concerns were venue, accommodations and security, but she never doubted that the venture was possible.
Mrs. Rolle met with the Hon. Neville Wisdom, Minister of Youth, Sports and Housing, and conveyed to him her concerns about a venue for the event.
“He anxiously seized the vision and said the venue should be the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium,” she said. “I was encouraged and plans went into action.”
Mrs. Rolle said the committee has selected the Wyndham Nassau Resort to host the delegates, the international press, visiting national directors, family and friends attending the pageant.
“We have secured the services of a private firm and will also meet with the relevant authorities of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, for further assistance,” she said
Mrs. Rolle said the beauty queens represent one of the largest group of official goodwill ambassadors from countries around the world, and the committee is aware of heightened anti-terrorism measures undertaken worldwide.
“We will do everything in our power to protect the sovereignty of The Bahamas and the goodwill ambassadors while they are in The Bahamas. Needless to say security will be highest on our agenda,” she said.
Mrs. Rolle said that on October 6, Miss Emmary Pinto, the reigning Miss Intercontinental, will make her first official visit to The Bahamas and will be on a promotional tour of the country for the first few days of the event.
She said the first official appearance of all the contestants will take place on October 9 at a welcome and press reception to be hosted by the Ministry of Tourism.
“We are honoured that for this international event, our very own Bahamian choreographer and producer, Mr. Olin Sha Coakley, will be the producer of the 35th Miss Intercontinental Pageant,” Mrs. Rolle said.
She said under the direction of Mr. Percy Wallace, assisted by Ms. Patrice Lockhart, Bahamian designers from across The Bahamas will display their fashion, which will be modeled by the international beauty queens, to the world.
Ms. Samantha Carter, the reigning Miss Bahamas Universe, will represent The Bahamas. She will also serve in the official capacity as host contestant for the international beauty queens.
“We are privileged to have teamed up with the Ministries of Youth and Sports, Tourism, and Foreign Affairs and the arms of Ms. Bessie Williams and other private businesses of The Bahamas to host the 35th annual Miss Intercontinental Pageant,” Mrs. Rolle said.
