By next week, five new young ladies will acquire beauty queen status as the Miss Bahamas Galaxy pageant stages its third competition this weekend.
On Sunday, April 22, Miss Bahamas Galaxy, Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy and a new addition to the competition will see three Little Misses crowned at the Rainforest Theatre at the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino. Curtains go up on the competition at 7:30 p.m.
Unlike other beauty pageants, organizers say this pageant has a greater focus on inner beauty and community mindedness.
"This year's pageant will be dynamic," said pageant assistant director, D'Vanya Hinsey. "We have a lot that will be going on and a few changes that will impress spectators. This year the competition is different because so far we've only crowned a Miss Bahamas Galaxy and a Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy. But this time around we are introducing three junior categories that will make the competition a lot more interesting."
Vying for the Little Miss title in the six to eight age group will be Dejanique Pratt, Carlisa Forbes, Adrielle Miller, Brinika Burrows, Deija Albury and Oryse' Darville.
The pre-teen contestants between nine and 11 years old are Halle Bowe and Ivrinique Johnson.
The Junior Miss category for the 12 to 14-year-old contestants includes Alexis Hamilton and Kendicia Clarke.
The 15 to 18-year-olds going after the teen crown are Genecia Russell, Jadesha Culmer, Keiandrea Fowler and Zanardee Fernander.
Vying for the senior category, including contestants 19 to 27 years old, are Brithney Thurston, Melody Sweeting, Samantha McCartney and Shante Knowles.
Hinsey said the pageant celebrates diversity and support of feminine inner strength and encouraging self-love, from the youngest to the most senior contestant. It also focuses on community service and building young ladies.
"It's not all about the crown and sash but instead about understanding the importance of giving back," she said. As a result, the contestants are encouraged to pick a platform that they are passionate about. "Our pageant isn't about being the most beautiful and superficial. It's about personality and having a community spirit. This is why community service and civic-mindedness is an important part of being a contestant in this competition. This does not mean we don't do other things pageants do like evening gowns and fashion wear, but we ensure that the girls know they will live up to their promises."
Mrs. Galaxy International, Kellie Lightbourn along with Karel Pinder, Miss Bahamas Earth will host the pageant.
Winners will compete in the Miss Galaxy International Pageant on Saturday, July 28 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Miss Bahamas Galaxy is a subsidiary of Galaxy Pageants International which was founded in 1988 by Maria Torres. It was introduced to The Bahamas in 2009.

When: Sunday, April 22
Where: Rainforest Theatre, Crystal Palace
Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: General $35, VIP $50, Balcony $25, Children (12 and under) $10

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