The contestants were split into two teams, and given the challenge of planning and executing a project to raise money during a five hour period, starting only with seed money of $100 provided by the Miss Bahamas Organization®. Each team was required to choose a charity with the idea that the funds raised by both teams would be donated to the winning team’s charity of choice. The A-list Beauties proved to be an innovative bunch. They held a car wash, offered shoulder massages to their clients while their vehicles were being cleaned, and sold snacks and soft drinks to passing motorists. In all, they raised more than $600 dollars. The plan of the Beauties with a Purpose team ran into a few snags, which led to their eventual defeat. They too held a car wash, coupling it with a kiddie’s fair. However, poor location choice proved to be a major factor in their loss. The competition will be chronicled in episode three of the new Reality TV show Miss Bahamas World Backstage Pass, which airs on ZNS on June 17^th.

Says MBO President Michelle Malcolm, the Miss Bahamas Organization® is very serious about its mission to advance and support today’s women through its Passion for Pageantry with a Purpose. “As it says in our mission statement, we aim 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,” she said. “MBO places heavy emphasis on community service for all of its winners and contestants. Its philosophy is that all are called to use their inherent gifts for the betterment of others – and thus its slogan “Passion for Pageantry with Purpose.”

The Miss Bahamas Organization® is in search of a Beauty with a Purpose – a young woman who is passionate about her role in the improvement of her community and the world at large. For this reason, a community service project is mandatory for all Miss Bahamas World contestants. These projects must be documented and submitted for review by MBO for the Beauty with a Purpose competition, and - in the case of the pageant winner - may be used at the Miss World Competition. The winner of the Beauty with a Purpose competition automatically advances to the semifinal round of the competition.

Contact:
Jerome Sawyer
Director, Media Relations
(242) 502-3800
missbahamasorg@gmail.com

For immediate release

“Fierce Fifteen” Unveiling: Miss Bahamas World 2008 Pageant Officially Kicks Off with TV Show Premiere; Bahamian Public Again Asked to Help Pick the Winner

Nassau, Bahamas (MBO) June 2, 2008 – Following four months of an extensive training and grooming regimen, the 15 young women vying for the title of Miss Bahamas World 2008 were unveiled to the public on Monday June 2^nd, during a red carpet premier reception for their new TV Show Miss Bahamas World: Backstage Pass! The gala affair was held at the Official Host Venue for the 2008 Miss Bahamas World pageant – Baha Mar’s Wyndham Nassau Resort – in the ballroom foyer beginning at 7 p.m.

The “Fierce Fifteen” are competing for the title of Miss Bahamas World, the right to adorn the Diamonds International Miss Bahamas World crown; and the opportunity to represent the Bahamas at the Miss World, Miss Tourism Queen International, and Beauty of the World pageants. Additionally, a title will be awarded to the contestant who receives top marks in runway skills during a special preliminary competition. She will go on to represent The Bahamas at next year’s Top Model of the World competition.

This year’s Miss Bahamas World Beauty Pageant is slated for June 29^th, 2008 at the Rainforest Theatre of the Wyndham Nassau Resort on Cable Beach under the theme, Pure Elegance. The competition will feature some of the most beautiful women in The Bahamas who have been participating in months of vigorous training in various aspects of pageantry as well as other facets of creating a Queen to represent The Bahamas. The young women have had lessons in Bahamian history and culture; public speaking; dealing with the media; interview techniques; voice tone and projection, etiquette, and catwalk skills to name a few areas of concentration. One of the goals of the Miss Bahamas Organization® is to have all of its contestants and eventual winners meet international pageant standards so as to increase their chances of bringing home global titles. The winner of this competition goes on to represent The Bahamas at the 2008 Miss World Beauty Pageant, to be held in the Ukraine on October 4th.

An impressive list of new corporate sponsors is on board for this year’s event. The Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas is now a Platinum Partner and will serve as the Official Broadcast Station of the pageant’s activities and TV Show. Coming in as a Silver Partner is Baha Mar Resorts Ltd. As the Official Host Venue for the 2008 Miss Bahamas World Pageant, a number of events will be held at the facility. Other new partners include Mizani; Sacha Cosmetics, Bahamas Business Solutions Ltd.; Apex Awards; Graycliff; and Buttons Formal Wear. The Miss Bahamas Organization also continues to enjoy relationships with other sponsors as well, including BTC, Western Air, and Obsession.

Over the course of the next few weeks this year’s contestants will make numerous public appearances and participate in a number of events, including preliminary swimsuit, talent, and evening gown competitions. They will also be worshipping together and visiting various points of interest around the island.

The organizers of the pageant are anticipating a spectacular event on the night of June 29^th. MBO Directors say that with the help of their various partners and the high caliber of ladies entered in this competition, the forthcoming Miss Bahamas World pageant should be an unforgettable event. Tickets for the show will be sold at Diamonds International, Bay Street; and the Rainforest Theatre box office, Cable Beach.

Contact:
Jerome Sawyer
Director, Media Relations
(242) 502-3800
missbahamasorg@gmail.com

For immediate release

The People of The Bahamas to Serve as 8^th Judge for Miss Bahamas World 2008 Pageant; Voting Public Again Asked to Help Pick the Winner

Nassau, Bahamas (MBO) June 2, 2008 – 376-MISS. That is the magic number if you wish to have a say in who becomes the next Miss Bahamas World. For the second consecutive year, the Bahamian public is being invited to get involved in the process to choose the new queen, who will represent the country at the 2008 Miss World pageant in the Ukraine on October 4^th.

The Miss Bahamas Organization® and BTC have teamed up once again for the Miss Bahamas World Vote for Me campaign. Like last year, the Bahamian public is being invited to help choose one of the Top 10 semifinalists through BTC’s SMS text voting service. Beginning the evening of Tuesday June 3^rd following the broadcast of the new Reality TV show Miss Bahamas World Backstage Pass on ZNS, pageant enthusiasts can call 376-MISS (367-6477) to cast their votes for their favorite contestants by entering the contestant’s name or voting number as the subject of the text. And to aid them with their choice, pageant fans are encouraged to log onto the organization’s website at www.missbahamas.net where they will be able to view photos, a bio, and a video of each contestant, saying why she should be chosen to be the new queen.

Unlike last year when they had just one chance to vote, this year they will be able to vote a total of four times – once each week during the month leading up to the grand finale – following the broadcasts of the four-part TV show series. The contestant receiving the highest number of text votes will automatically advance to the semi final round of the competition. Furthermore, one lucky winner from the voting public who selects the eventual winner of the pageant will receive a fabulous prize.

MBO and BTC broke new ground last year when they introduced the Vote for Me concept to pageants in The Bahamas. A total of 3,673 votes were cast. Emerging the winner of the People’s Choice award was Miss Grand Bahama Nathalie Brown, who captured a whopping 1,153 votes.

This year’s “Fierce Fifteen” contestants are competing for the title of Miss Bahamas World, the right to adorn the Diamonds International Miss Bahamas World crown; and the opportunity to represent the Bahamas at the Miss World, Miss Tourism Queen International, and Beauty of the World pageants. Additionally, a title will be awarded to the contestant who receives top marks in runway skills during a special preliminary competition. She will go on to represent The Bahamas at next year’s Top Model of the World competition.

The 2008 Miss Bahamas World Beauty Pageant is slated for June 29^th at the Rainforest Theatre of the Wyndham Nassau Resort on Cable Beach under the theme, Pure Elegance.

Contact:
Jerome Sawyer
Director, Media Relations
(242) 502-3800
missbahamasorg@gmail.com

For immediate release

Miss Bahamas World Receives Award from International Pageant Portal; Beauty Queen is recognized for Beauty of Spirit .

Nassau, Bahamas (MBO) June 2, 2008 – Miss Bahamas World 2007 Anya Watkins has gained fans around the world for her beauty, grace, and charm. And now she is being awarded for yet another endearing quality – her spirit. The beauty ambassador becomes the first woman to be given the Critical Beauty Spirit Award by one of the world’s leading pageant websites.

Rafa Delfin, the director of Critical Beauty, has released this statement:

"Critical Beauty is very happy to present the first-ever Critical Beauty Spirit Award to Anya Watkins, Miss Bahamas World 2007. Not only has Anya been an excellent representative of the Bahamas to her countrymen and to the world, but she also exemplifies what a true beauty queen should be - graceful, elegant, personable, intelligent, warm, eloquent, and most of all - humble. Critical Beauty wishes Anya the best of luck in her personal and professional endeavors, and may she inspire many women to strive for excellence, truth, integrity and a beautiful spirit."

A surprised Anya was presented with the award during the ceremony to unveil the 2008 Miss Bahamas World contestants to the public. The award had been kept secret by the executives of the Miss Bahamas Organization® who had been informed months prior that Anya would be its recipient.

“This award only goes to show that we are on the right track,” says MBO President Michelle Malcolm. “Often as an organization, you wonder whether you efforts are in vain, particularly when you face daily struggles to get the job done. But seeing Anya receive this award warms my heart, because it tells me that our efforts are being noticed. It also gives testament to the character of our queen, who from day one been a complete joy to work with. We congratulate Anya on this remarkable achievement, and we are sure that she will go one to achieve many more.”

A part of Anya’s training for the Miss World pageant was handled by Critical Beauty’s Puerto Rico arm – Hector Joaquin Gonzales. She spent two weeks in the Caribbean isle under his tutelage, and made many appearances on television, in print, and in major fashion shows while there.

What has been an incredible year for Anya as Miss Bahamas World comes to an end on June 29^th, when a new Miss Bahamas World will be crowned. The finale will be held at the official host venue of the 2008 pageant, in the Rainforest Theatre, Cable Beach.

Contact:
Jerome Sawyer
Director, Media Relations
(242) 502-3800
missbahamasorg@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTESTANTS BEING SOUGHT for Miss Bahamas World pageant; new Reality TV show to chronicle prestigious competition

Nassau, Bahamas (MBO) February 20, 2008 - The quest is on to find the next Miss Bahamas World, and this year - thanks to a new Reality TV show - members of the public will be given the inside scoop as they help to choose the most beautiful woman in The Bahamas. The new show, Miss Bahamas World: Backstage Pass!!! will give the viewing audience an opportunity to watch the brightest and the best compete for the title in the weeks leading up to the competition, which culminates with the Grand Finale set for June 29th, 2008, at the Wyndham Nassau Resort's Rainforest Theatre.

Beauty, brains, a charming personality, and a fabulous body. . . if that describes you, then you could become the next Miss Bahamas World. The Miss Bahamas Organization(r) has officially launched its search for the new queen, and is asking eligible young women to sign up for what promises to be a spectacular event. This year's pageant to select representatives to the Miss World, Miss Tourism Queen International, Miss Intercontinental, Top Model of the World, and the recently acquired Miss Hawaiian Tropic competitions will be held under the theme "Pure Elegance."

Once again, Bahamians are being invited to help choose the winner by voting for their favorite contestants. The contestant receiving the highest number of votes automatically advances to the semifinal round of the competition as the "People's Choice" fast track winner. However, this year the public is being given an insiders view of the hopefuls in an effort to aid in their choice. For the first time ever in The Bahamas, a Reality TV show focusing on the contestants will hit the airwaves during the month leading up to the finals, allowing the audience to learn more about the contestants before the big night. And unlike last year, when the public got to vote just once, this time around pageant enthusiasts will get four votes - one each week - following the broadcasts of the four part TV show. "We are always trying to raise the bar.... always seeking ways to think out the box," says MBO President Michelle Malcolm. "This year, not only are we introducing a ground breaking new television series, but we're helping the public to learn more about the young women who want to be their representative to the world, thereby assisting them in making more informed decisions when choosing their semifinalist."

The show will be hosted by the reigning Miss Bahamas World Anya Watkins. "I'm so excited!" she exclaimed upon learning of her new role as TV show host. "I am really looking forward to doing this show, as this will be a totally new experience for me. I had no idea when I signed up for Miss Bahamas World last year that I would be given so many amazing opportunities, and I am just so thankful that I did" she said.

In addition to hosting the TV show, Anya will also welcome another unexpected opportunity - specifically the chance to compete in the Miss Hawaiian Tropic pageant this May in Las Vegas. The Miss Bahamas Organization was recently invited to send a delegate to the competition, and Anya was selected as the ideal choice. She will spend five days in Las Vegas competing for a chance to become the spokesperson for Hawaiian Tropic for one year, as well as a cash prize of $10,000.00. Says Anya, "Oh my goodness... Vegas!" I'm going to hit the gym really hard to make sure I'm in fine form for that competition!" Her prize of a year's membership at Bally's will help her to do just that.

Although MBO is just now launching its recruitment drive, 18 applications have already been received. Included in this year's competition will be delegates from a number of Family Islands, including Grand Bahama, San Salvador, and Exuma. However, to add to the excitement of the pageant, only 20 applicants will be accepted as contestants. "We are inviting as many young ladies as possible to sign up because who knows, you could be among the select 20 who are chosen to enter the competition, and even go on to win it," says Miss Malcolm. "We are opening the application process because although some gorgeous women have applied, we believe that there are many more out there that we have not been able to reach," she says. "By limiting the number of entrants to 20, we are ensuring that only the best of the best will compete for the Miss Bahamas World title, and as a result, our queen will truly be the crème de la crème," she concludes.

An impressive, $30,000 package of prizes awaits the young woman who emerges the winner of the Miss Bahamas World Pageant, including a trip to Ukraine to compete in this year's Miss World pageant; $15,000 in diamond jewelry from Diamonds International; a trip to New York for a photo shoot with the world renowned fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; a designer wardrobe; appearance opportunities and much more. Interested young women are being urged to apply quickly as space is limited. Deadline for entry is March 1st, 2008.

Young women interested in entering the pageant may apply online at http://www.missbahamas.net. Suitable young women between the ages of 17 and 24 are being sought to compete. Entrants should be beautiful in form and face, graceful, intelligent and charming, while possessing poise, a pleasing character, and high moral convictions. Candidates must be single, must not have children, nor have ever been pregnant or given birth. Minimum height requirement is 5' 5" and maximum height requirement is 6' 2". Weight must be proportionate to height. Candidates should be of Bahamian ancestry, or citizens of The Bahamas, and hold a Bahamian passport. The Miss Bahamas Organization(r) reserves the right to refuse an application or dismiss a contestant, using the Organization's codes and regulations as the basis for its decision. Applicant must submit a headshot and a full body shot of her own choice for review with her application.

Contact:
Jerome Sawyer
Manager, Media Relations
(242) 502-3800

PRESS RELEASE

“Fabulous Fifteen” Unveiled: Miss Bahamas World 2007 Pageant Officially Kicks Off with Gala Reception; Bahamian Public Invited to Help Pick the Winner

Nassau, Bahamas (MBO) June 26, 2007 – Following four months of an extensive training and grooming regimen, the 15 young women vying for the title of Miss Bahamas World 2007 were unveiled to the public during a reception at the historic Pompey Museum, Bay Street, on Tuesday June 26th, 2007.

The “Fabulous Fifteen” are competing for the titles of Miss Bahamas World, as well as Miss Bahamas Tourism Queen International, and Miss Bahamas Intercontinental. Additionally, a fourth title will be awarded to the contestant who receives top marks in runway skills during a special preliminary competition. She will go on to represent The Bahamas at next year’s Top Model of the World competition.

This year’s Miss Bahamas World Beauty Pageant is slated for July 22nd, 2007 at the Rainforest Theatre of the Wyndham Nassau Resort on Cable Beach under the theme, Out of Africa – a Celebration of Freedom! The spectacular show will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The competition will feature some of the most beautiful women in The Bahamas who have been participating in months of vigorous training in various aspects of pageantry as well as other facets of creating a Queen to represent The Bahamas. The young women have had lessons in Bahamian history and culture; public speaking; dealing with the media; interview techniques; voice tone and projection, etiquette, and catwalk skills to name a few areas of concentration. The goal of the Miss Bahamas Organization® is to have all of its contestants and eventual winners meet international pageant standards so as to increase their chances of bringing home global titles. The winner of this competition goes on to represent The Bahamas at this year’s Miss World Beauty Pageant, to be held in Sanya, China from November 2nd to December 1st.

This year, the Bahamian public is being invited to help choose one of the Top 10 semifinalists through a new SMS text voting service provided by BTC. Pageant fans who log onto the organization’s website at www.missbahamas.net will be able to view photos, a bio, and a video of each contestant, saying why she should be chosen to be the new queen. Each contestant will be assigned a voting number and after making their choice, the public can then vote for their favorite contestants by texting the number 242-376-0409, and entering the contestant’s corresponding number as the subject of the text. The contestant receiving the highest number of text votes will automatically advance to the semi final round. Furthermore, one lucky winner from the voting public who selects the eventual winner of the pageant, will receive a fabulous prize.

An impressive list of corporate sponsors is on board for this year’s event. Diamonds International is once again on board as a Platinum Partner, and as such this year’s queen will receive $15,000.00 worth of glittering fine jewelry, as did her predecessor Deandrea Conliffe. The winner will also adorn the exquisite custom made Diamonds International Miss Bahamas crown. Other partners include BTC, Solomon’s Mines, American Airlines, Western Air, Hollis Cosmetics, and Obsessions Designs.

Over the course of the next few weeks this year’s contestants will make numerous public appearances and participate in a number of events, including a preliminary swimsuit and talent competition. They will also be worshipping together and visiting various historical sites and points of interest around the island.

The organizers of the pageant are anticipating a spectacular event on the night of July 22nd. Artists scheduled to appear on the show include the National Youth Choir, Joann Callender, Chippie and the Boys, Ruppa pum pum, and more.

MBO Directors say that with the help of their various partners and the high caliber of girls entered in this competition, the forthcoming Miss Bahamas World pageant should be an unforgettable event. They plan to give the Bahamian audience a night to remember and three Queens of which we can all be proud. Tickets for the show are available at Diamonds International, Bay Street; Michelle la Nuit, Soldier Road (west of Abundant Life Road); and the Rainforest Theatre box office.

Contact:

Jerome Sawyer
Director, Media Relations
missbahamasorg@gmail.com

:: P.O. Box N.3141 :: e.mail missbahamasorg@gmail.com :: Nassau. The Bahamas ::