After a one-year hiatus, the territory’s most prestigious pageant, Miss British Virgin Islands, returns to the stage on August 1. Newly appointed Chair of the Miss British Virgin Islands Sub-committee, Natalie O. Hodge, said that plans are underway for a spectacular evening featuring the talents of Virgin Islanders on one stage.
“Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the committee and contestants are curating an evening of elegance under the theme, “A Cultural Identity: Perseverance. Resilience. Evolution”, Hodge said.
Hodge said, “I know that the community is looking forward to seeing the next cohort of young women grace the stage with beauty, intellect, and poise.” She added, the next queen will be an Ambassador for the Virgin Islands and will be positioned to lend her voice to her platform and challenges we are facing as a nation.”
In this year’s pageant, the contestants will compete in seven segments: Introduction, Cultural Dress, Swimwear, Sell BVI, Eveningwear, Question and Answer, and Personal Interview.
The pageant’s winner will receive a variety of prizes, including a $25,000 academic grant and travel opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson also announced that an undisclosed number of young women would be presented to the public as contestants vying for the prestigious title of Miss British Virgin Islands.
“To officially kick off the Miss BVI Pageant, we are creating ‘An Island Affair’ experience for the Reveal event whereby persons will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the young women while enjoying local entertainment.”
The contestants will be officially revealed to the public on Friday, July 2, at 6:00 p.m. at the Luxury Deck of the Cyril B. Romney Pier Park. The event will be hosted by Miss BVI 2019 Bria A. Smith and Mr. Kareem-Nelson Hull. The evening will feature entertainment by a local performance and musical artist. There will be a $10.00 entrance fee.
The pageant is a part of the 67th Emancipation Celebrations sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Government of the Virgin Islands, and coordinated the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee.
The reigning Miss British Virgin Islands, Miss Bria A. Smith, is the only titleholder to date to serve for two consecutive years. The Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant is one of the longest[1]running pageants in the region.