After months of rehearsals, photo-shoots, interviews, appearances, and preliminary competitions, 18 year-old model NYAH BANDELIER was selected as “MISS WORLD BAHAMAS 2019” and the right to represent the Islands of the Bahamas at the 69th annual “MISS WORLD” pageant to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on December 7, 2019. This year’s “Miss World” Festival will last for one month prior to the coronation of the new World Beauty on December 7. “Miss World Bahamas” Nyah Bandelier will be there, front and center along with 130 other Beauty Queens from across the globe to compete for the prestigious crown and title.

DOCTOR

Nyah, a high school graduate who has been accepted at eight universities, and received scholarships from six of those institutions of higher learning, has put her college education on hold for a year, as she fulfills her duties as “Miss World Bahamas.” The stunning blue-eyed beauty is an accredited cosmetologist, having earned her certificate from Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) at age 17. Nyah intends to study Biology and enter the field of obstetrics or pharmaceuticals. Her ultimate goal is to become a Doctor and open her own clinic.

AWARD WINNERS

Wearing the sash as “Miss Eleuthera” Nyah beat out seven other Bahamian beauties in a keenly contested pageant that was televised live on `OUR -TV’ and witnessed by a capacity crowd at the Atlantis Theatre on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Nyah also won the “Best in Swimwear” award and the ALIV Commercial Challenge. She edged passes some very popular contenders, including her runners-up – First Princess Shakera Hall “Miss Balmoral Island” and Second Princess La’Tiqua Smith “Miss Crystal Cay” Crowd’s favorites Jerchovia Moxie “Miss New Providence” and Rotalya Williams “Miss Ocean Cay” did not make it to the top three, but won several of the sectional awards. Jerchovia took home the majority of awards namely: Miss Photogenic; Best in Evening Gown; Top Model; Miss Popularity Finance (for most ticket sales); Social Media, multi-media Award; Club One Fitness, Sportswoman Award and the Lady of Elegance Seventeen Shop Award. Rotalya Williams won the `Myles Munroe Beauty with a Purpose’ $2500 Academic Scholarship; People’s Choice Head to Head Challenge and the Best National Costume Awards. Carissa Francois “Miss Abaco” won the “Miss Amity” award and Edneka Farquharson “Miss Cat Island” won the MBO Spirit Award for her Inner strength and pleasant demeanor.

JUDGES, HOSTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

This year’s pageant was hosted by stage veterans, Jerome Sawyer and Leslie Brice. The backstage commentary was given by Hector Colon-Gonzalez. Meanwhile, K.Darron Turnquest and Shenique Miller served as Social Media Correspondents. The evening’s entertainment included an energetic opening dance number with the contestants, featuring singer Lady E and a soulful rendition by Shad Fer. From the very vocal reaction of the SRO crowd, the stars of the evening were clearly the eight delegates, who paraded in swimsuits and evening gowns before a panel of distinguished judges. This exclusive panel comprised of: South African born Banker & Philanthropist Werner Gruner; Florida based, founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of PR Pageant Coaches, Jules Meyer; New York-based journalist – fashionedits.com fashion writer, editor & author yours truly Walter Greene; Cole’s of Nassau General Manager and Buyer Carol Brown and Ireland born, Chief ALIV Champion Johnny Ingle.

WORDS FROM THE NEW QUEEN

After the pageant, a press conference was held in an adjoining conference room at the venue. The new Queen made a grand entrance and was the focus of the media, and gathered guests. Still visibly shocked, she managed to say: “I am honestly at a lost for words, but I’m extremely thankful for this great honor. I hope as Queen to make an impact, and to make the Bahamas proud, both locally and Internationally.” Later she reiterated how grateful she was for the opportunity….”I really hope to make myself, my family and my country proud.”

The new Queen was crowned by outgoing “Miss World Bahamas” Brinique Gibson. Her sash and flowers were presented by Miss World Bahamas 2017 Geena Thompson and MBO President Michelle Malcolm.