Like the phoenix rising from the ashes the 14 beauties vying for two of the most prestigious beauty crowns -- Miss World Bahamas, and Miss Bahamas Universe -- were revealed at the Miss Bahamas Organization (MBO) launch event at Mario's Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace.
In a packed venue the women were sashed by their sponsors and revealed their platforms as they prepare for the pageant which will be held in less than a month, on July 29 at the Atlantis Resort.
For Adria Flowers, 19, her platform centers around healthy, happy, people empowering themselves with do-it-yourself projects and home grown organic food. She describes herself as optimistic, virtuous and hardworking.
While 23-year-old Analicia Thompson wants to encourage people to get involved in their local community. To date, she said her life has been shaped by the three H's -- health, happiness and humility.
Autumn Joy Dames, 21, who loves the diversity of her home island of Grand Bahamas has a keen desire to inspire and encourage as many people as she can through the performing arts, which inspired her platform of promoting culture through the performing arts.
Nineteen-year-old Celeste Marshall whose ultimate goal is not only to win the pageant but become a successful international model wants to build self-esteem and awareness in the youth with her platform.
At age 23, De'Andra Bannister, a self proclaimed nerd, plans to use her presence in the pageant to promote alcohol awareness and substance abuse.
For 21-year-old Deandra Harris, a nursing student at The College of The Bahamas, her platform is to use her experience in the pageant to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle in children. She counts the feel of soft white Bahamian sand between her toes as an unforgettable island experience.
Ebony Johnson, a professional vocal performer is motivated by her passion for music which has encouraged her platform, empowering young ladies through performing arts. The 23-year-old would most love to meet her ancestors from which she said she could learn so much.
Irina Key, 19, who counts the dolphins she trains at her job as her best friends has a platform that involves animal connection with humans, and bringing light to the importance of animals to humans.
Jasmine Forbes, 20, who describes herself as driven, hardworking and a dreamer, and counts the pursuit of happiness as one of her most important goals in life is an animal lover. Animal awareness is her platform.
Kahturah Fernander's life ambition is to travel. For the 21-year-old, learning new things is a passion for her, and she wants nothing more than to win the Miss Bahamas crown for the opportunity to represent The Bahamas on the international scene.
Nevandria Rolle, 18, describes herself as God-fearing, benevolent and driven. She said her spirituality is one of her biggest assets.
Rakia Rolle, a 20-year-old potential maritime lawyer lives by the maxim carpe diem which means to seize the day. Rolle, who is a part of the cancer support group, Freedom Survivors, holds breast cancer awareness close to her heart because of a personal encounter in her life.
Reneika Knowles whose hobbies include working on cars and playing golf, described herself as free-spirited, open minded and fun. The 26-year-old's platform includes encouraging entrepreneurship and financial awareness in the youth.
Rochelle Alexandre, 25, a music enthusiast, counts helping the poor as one of her life's passions and her platform for the pageant.
The MBO also used the launch to promote their newest community service venture which entails donating non-perishable food items, clothing, toys, and books to the All Saints Camp for those people stricken with AIDS. The first round of competition is scheduled for Sunday, July 8 when the contestants will go head-to-head in the Miss Bahamas Sportswoman Competition. The winner automatically advances to the semifinals of the Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant.
Also at the event were Miss World Bahamas, Sasha Joyce and Miss Bahamas Universe, Anastagia Pierre. They both reflected on their year as titleholders.
Miss Bahamas Organization events
Sportswoman Fast Track competition
When: July 8
Time: 4 p.m.
Where: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium
Cost: $25

Bahamas Top Model Competition
When: July 15
Time: 4 p.m.
Where: Compass Point
Cost: $25

Float Parade
When: July 21

Swimsuit Competition
When: July 22
Where: Mario's Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace
Cost: $25

Evening Gown/Talent Competitions
When: July 26
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Atlantis Theatre

Miss Bahamas Beauty pageant
When: July 29
Time: 8pm
Where: Atlantis Theatre

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