The Tribune

MISS Earth Bahamas Vandia Sands has made pageant history, becoming the first Bahamian to win best national costume at one of the four major world pageants.

There are 94 contestants in this year’s Miss Earth pageant, currently being held in the Philippines.

The costume segment is divided into the four continents, with one contestant emerging as the overall winner per continent.

The Bahamas falls under The Americas and Miss Sands’ costume was the overall winning costume for the continent.

Miss Bahamas Beauty Organisation president Gaynell Rolle said: “This does my heart well. I am so proud of Vandia and especially proud of this accomplishment for local designer Patrice Lockhart, who has sent many of her designs, whether by evening gowns or national costume, to these international pageants.

“It’s truly an historic day in the Bahamas on many fronts.

“I am sure Mr Greenslade, president of ICS Bahamas, is equally as proud as he is the official sponsor for her national costume,” Ms Rolle said.

“The design was one inspired through innovation by Ms Lockhart. She took one look at Vandia and said ‘Are you flexible? If you are I have the right design in mind’.”

The remaining events in this year’s Miss Earth competition include the swimsuit, talent and evening gown categories.

Voting is still open for Miss Photogenic and Best Eco-Video.

Ms Rolle encouraged Bahamians to show their support for Vandia by voting online at www.missearth.tv.

The final is on December 7.