The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net 

OPENING with a dance number, the fourteen contestants of Miss Bahamas 2012 created an evening to remember. Two winners were crowned and at the end of the night: Contestant Celeste Marshall took home the title of Miss Bahamas Universe and De’Andra Bannister won Miss Bahamas World.

With the grand ballroom at Atlantis filled to capacity, cheers echoed from every corner of room. Shouting for their favourite contestant, audience members appeared to be ready for the winners to be crowned even before the show started.

A few highlights of the event included the contestants taking to the stage to strut to music by local artist Angelique Sabrina and her chart topping song “Pull Up”. There were also video clips shown, displaying the contestant’s pageant journey. From visits to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas to a sports event they all took part in.

Contestant Autumn Joy Dames came first runner up to Miss Bahamas Universe and Analicia Thompson came first runner up to Miss Bahamas World.

Kayla, a Bahamian local who attended the pageant said: “The turn out of the night was magnificent. I think the Miss Bahamas Organisation is getting better and better and this is exactly what we need to be on an international level. The contestants all carried themselves well. I didn’t really have a favourite, but I came to support them all, because I can see all of them representing the country well.”

Christine, another patron said: “ I am Team Celeste and from the moment she walked out on stage, I saw the beauty queen in her. I have no doubt in my mind that she will represent when she goes away. She is beautiful and smart, that’s a combination people are paying for these days and for her, it came natural.”

Even though this was her first time attending a Miss Bahamas pageant, Melissa, another attendee, said she was entertained.

“ The fact that this room is packed to capacity right now, says a lot. These girls need support and there are families that came out in numbers. I came to support Team AJ and so far she is doing excellent. No matter who wins, they are all queens,” said Melissa.