Winning the Crown proved to be an incredible experience for 2 beautiful ladies who worked hard to earn their titles at the 2011 Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant that was held on Sunday, May 1st at the Atlantis Theatre on Paradise Island.
Anastagia Pierre, Miss UPX Redline, age 22 and who stands 5’10" won the title of Miss Bahamas Universe and she will represent The Bahamas at the Miss Universe Pageant in Brazil in September. Sasha Joyce, Miss Lucky's Restaurant, age 23 and who is 5’9" earned her title of Miss World Bahamas and that Pageant is scheduled to be held in Erdos, China. The third runner up was Sharie Delva, Miss Automall who is 24 years old and stood the tallest of all the girls at 6’1. It was a tough competition for the judges and the other runner-ups were Kristy Evans - Miss Abaco and Daronique Young - Miss Hershey's Chocolate.
The race for the crowns was tight as all of the contestants were true beauties with unique strengths and talents making their sponsors, the pageant organizers, The Bahamas as well as their family and friends proud.
During Pageant night, the Theatre was almost filled to capacity. Cowbells, whistles, shouting, waving of banners and signs and cheerleader pom-poms were part of the hurrah for the contestants and there was a variety of different emotion displayed from the audience. The evening's performance was opened with a dance number to coincide with the theme of the Beauty Pageant, "All that jazz" and quickly moved into the bathing suit and evening gown programs. Co-hosts, Jerome Sawyer and Nakeria Simms-Symonette graced the evening with charm. One of the audience members said that the “Pageant and the winners was just the way it was supposed to be!” while another audience member displayed dismay when the winners were announced.
Michelle Malcom, one of the producers of Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant said that "It was a tough competition and that not everyone will be happy with the results but it was a good show and I am was especially proud of Sasha who had the biggest transformation out of all the girls. Sasha, is a testament to what our organization stands for and she came a long way." Jerome Sawyer said that this was their 6th year and this particular year had proved to have great support.
Last year's Queen, Braneka Bassett reminded this year's winners to remember that they are "Miss Bahamas first and a great ambassador for our country." That they should soak up every opportunity and that they have a great team and support system behind them and to enjoy what they do. Braneka said that her next step is to pursue an acting career in Hollywood, California.
Anastagia commented that she didn’t get the Crown last year but she believes that this year the difference was that she was more comfortable, confident and was her true self. She is ready to be her country’s ambassador and ready to work. Sasha on the other hand, compared her winning of the Miss Bahamas to her winning career in sports. “In sports is was just me against me while in the Pageant, it was me competing against 14 other girls.”
For those who missed the Pageant on the May 1st, the Miss Bahamas 2011 Pageant is scheduled to air on ZNS TV on Sunday, May 8th at 8:30pm.
Writing and Photography by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
