KEREL PINDER
(MISS GRAND BAHAMA)

Favorite things about my Hometown/ Country
One thing that I love about the Bahamas is our heritage.  The traditions and lessons passed down by our ancestral African slaves that show our strength, drive, rhythm and unique culture is what makes me truly appreciate being a Bahamian.

Life’s Ambitions
To receive my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology. Hold the position of Chief Psychologist of School Psychological Services at the Ministry of Education. I also hope to leave an inspirational mark not only on the Bahamas but on the whole world.

Hobbies
Swimming, Reading, Writing Poetry and spending time with children.

My Goals in Life
To become the next Miss Bahamas World, to be the first Bahamian woman to win the title of Miss World, to complete My Masters Degree and begin my Doctorate Degree. To also own my own private practice and serve or head an organization that gives back to the youth and children of our nation whether through pageantry, the arts or sports.

My Best Asset
My smile, it expresses my vibrant and vivacious personality.

My Daily philosophy in life
Everything is beautiful in it’s time - Ephesians 3:11

The Movie (And / or Book) that most influenced my life
The Power and Purpose of a Woman, By Dr. Myles Munroe, is a book that has inspired me. I read this book at a pivotal time in my life and it goes into depth of how God has designed women and the role he created us for. The Great Debaters a fairly recent movie that shows drive and determination of young black men and women who had the courage to be the best when all the odds were set against them.

Who I would like to meet and why?
Nelson Mandela because of his strength and courage to fight and stand up for something he believed in. He felt that all people should be treated equally regardless of the color of their skin. He spent many years in prison, being a sacrifice so that today the People in South Africa could have a greater amount of freedom than they ever dreamed of. Someone like him is more than commendable he is a hero. I am a great fan of underdogs and people who push past what seems impossible to achieve their dreams. I would love to meet someone like him who has made his dream a reality.

I am motivated by
I am motivated by our great Bahamian Hero’s like Sidney Poiter, Tonique Williams Darling and Dr Myles Munroe. People that I can relate to who were once in my shoes, a little Bahamian girl or boy who had a dream to make an impact not only on a national level but on an international level.  Every day that their name is called or story is told I am encouraged to continue to push to make my dreams a reality.

What I would like the Judges to know about me is
A year ago the last thing on my mind was being apart of pageantry. When gracing the Miss Bahamas site to vote for a contestant my appreciation for pageantry completely changed. I now truly feel that a beauty Queen is not a beauty fixture but a true representation of what her country is and what her country stands for. I am a person who is very patriotic and extremely passionate about making a difference in our nation and helping the Bahamas to leave its mark on the World. I have been blessed with the opportunity to make this kind of contribution to the island of Grand Bahama since being crowned Miss Grand Bahama 2008. I know deep in my heart that I have what it takes to take my drive to another level if afforded the opportunity to be your next Miss Bahamas World.

My community Service/Achievements are:

Achievements
Elected as Bahamian Representative on the International Concerns Committee at Acadia University (04-05)

Elected as International Student Representative (05-06) Position served on the Student Representative Council (SRC)

Student Representative on Board of Governors for the University and Judicial board member.(05-06)

Student Leadership Award at Acadia University 2006

A Member of five Bahamas National Swim Teams that went to Carifta and CISC

Representative from Grand Bahama in Youth Parliament and National Youth Forum May 2004

Graduated from Acadia University May 2006 BA Psychology

Accepted and completed one semester at Barry University’s Graduate Program June 2007

Community Service
Advisor 20 Pearls Program

Member and Community Service Director – Rotaract Club of Freeport

Coordinator and Co –Founder for R.I.S.E. (Parent support group for parents of Special need Children)

Member of Freeport Players Guild

Instructor – Youth with a mission (Church dance group)

Describe yourself in three words
Spiritual, Passionate and Driven