It was not business as usual for guests and staff at Sandyport Beach Resort on Easter Monday. Curious sunbathers shifted on towels, tipped their sunglasses, and craned their necks as a petite figure bedazzled in jewels from forehead to bikini bottom danced through the sand, camera crew in tow.
Miss Crystal Cay Alexis Sawyer, a Miss World Bahamas hopeful, had everyone’s attention as she worked the camera – a picture of beauty and poise against the scenic backdrop of blue waves and sky at Sandyport Beach Resort this warm, sunny Easter Monday.
The young lady at the centre of attention was one of 11 Miss World Bahamas contestants attending four days of pre-pageant training being filmed by local production company The MoVi Group for Cable 12 and other regional stations.
The footage can be seen on episodes of “Road to the Crown,” the Cable 12 reality TV show leading up to the Miss World Bahamas televised finale on May 27th.
During the four days, the contestants were also photographed in swimwear and evening gowns.
Jerome Sawyer, Miss World Bahamas VP and PR Director, said they selected the Sandyport Beach Resort location because it ticked all the logistical boxes and the important scenic one.
“I spent a weekend here and thought then that the natural beauty and sea-side location would make a perfect setting for our pre-pageant activities.
It is quiet, nestled away, and beautiful… reminiscent of the Family Islands. I love that it feels so authentically Bahamian.
When you look at the style of the villas, the foliage, the beach, the pool, the lagoons… these are all things that are indigenous to us. What better place to showcase Miss Bahamas?”
TripAdvisor favourite Sandyport Beach Resort was sold out for Easter, giving the contestants an early taste of an appreciative audience as the guests smiled in delight at the unexpected show of Bahamian beauty.
Jerome Sawyer said, “We took the swimsuits up a notch this year to mirror our theme, which is ‘Bejewelled’ – celebrating the jewels of the islands of The Bahamas.
Photos Credit: Miss Bahamas Organization
They’re heavily embellished, and even the makeup the girls are wearing includes delicate stones on their faces in gem-stone colours.”
Makeup artist Weisha Forbes explained the look/concept as she deftly worked her magic on Serena Greene, Miss Grand Bahama.
“We’re going for a Carnival look – full-out on the eyes and softened with natural lips. The eyes are so dramatic so each face will likely take me about an hour and a half.”
Self-proclaimed tomboy Serena confessed that she’s not a big makeup person. “So this is different for me and I’m focusing on the process.
I’m embracing it and enjoying everything we’re learning during this four-day pre-pageant training camp. The attention of the guests doesn’t bother me. I don’t really notice it.”
While Miss Grand Bahama may have been oblivious to the extra attention, reigning Miss World Bahamas Geena Thompson was not.
“I liken it to my experience in China, because even though we were in a competition, people were always crowding around and watching us. It helps to boost your confidence and the mood of the shoot.
I love when the camera is on me so I’m always excited about that.
I don’t like sitting down during makeup because I’m very fidgety. But when I’m modelling, I’m in my element.”
Contestants arrived at the resort at 7am until 9pm, Jerome advised.
“We have lots going on with hair and makeup and television cameras, and the guests seem to love it.
The contestants have a wonderful opportunity to interact with them as well, if only to say ‘Hello.’
Little girls will stop and say, ‘Mommy, what a beautiful gown!’ It teaches the contestants the importance of their roles as beauty ambassadors, because when you travel to Miss World with 120 other contestants, you represent The Bahamas. So this is a good learning experience for them.”
