Contestants competing in the Miss Bahamas Pageant to choose the new Miss World Bahamas strutted down the catwalk before a capacity crowd in an exciting triple header event on Monday, July 11. The ladies competed in the Sands Beer Swimsuit Competition, the Top Model fashion show, and the Commonwealth Fabrics Designer Showcase, featuring the creations of BTVI design students.

Placing in the Top 3 in the swimsuit competition were in random order: Miss Long Island Ashley Hamilton, Miss Staniel Cay Shanice Burrows, and Miss Eleuthera Geena Thompson. The Top 3 finishers in the Top Model competition were in random order: Miss New Providence Andrea Bowleg, Miss Long Island Ashley Hamilton, and Miss Eleuthera Geena Thompson.

Receiving Top Honors in the Designer Showcase competition was Myrlande Julien, who created a show stopping two piece ensemble worn by Miss Paradise Island Pischia Adderley. Rounding out the top 3 in the designer showcase was Janet Cooper who created a colorful outfit worn by Miss Bimini Bryneeah Gray, and Kirkwood Deal & Keisha Strachan who created a tailored white suit worn by Miss Long Island Ashley Hamilton. Fans can see highlights of the preliminary competitions on MBO’s Road to the Crown Reality TV Show which airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Our TV. The shows will also be available for viewing in their entirety on Cable Bahamas, Video on Demand.

The next events are the float parade and National Dress competition, scheduled for July 16 in Pompey Square, Bay Street; and the Debonaire Boutique Evening Gown Competition and Talent showcase, scheduled for July 17at Sapodilla, West Bay Street. The Miss Bahamas finale is set for July 24 at the Melia Nassau Beach All Inclusive. Tickets are available at Airbrush Junkies in the Mall at Marathon, or from any Miss Bahamas contestant.

About MBO
The Miss Bahamas Organization (MBO) is a company that advances and supports today's women through its Passion for Pageantry with a Purpose. Our mission is to bring out the personal bests women seek to achieve by cultivating their passions, self-image, and education in an environment that encourages the pursuit of purpose, promotes discipline, and supports the strengthening of character. The Miss Bahamas Organization will prepare them to take on the world as women who are aware of the power that derives from fulfilling their purpose, and who use that power to impact the welfare of humanity. MBO achieves its mission by training and unveiling the nation's finest women through an annual national beauty pageant system in The Bahamas. This system incorporates months of intensive grooming, coaching and preparation that culminate with the coronation of a goodwill ambassador, who represents her country in international pageants, promotional events, and charitable endeavors. More information about the Miss Bahamas Organization is available at www.missbahamas.net.

By Jerome Sawyer