Miss Belize 2006, Maria Jeffries and Miss World 2006, Felicita Arzu pose with the eight Miss Belize contestants.

The stage is almost been set and preparations are still underway for the annual Miss Belize Pageant which is to be held on Saturday, September 15, at the Belize City Centre, beginning at 7:30P.M.

Eight beauties from all over the country will compete in the single crown competition, unlike last year where two crowns were awarded.

They are Jenine Thompson, 20, representing Belize Rural North, Keisha Daniels, a 21-year-old primary school teacher of Stann Creek, Iris “Jessie” Medina, 24, of Orange Walk, Sharalee Rodriguez, being the youngest with 18 years, Melanie Lammey and Lorriean Samuels, both 19, along with 20-year-old Tanisha Vernon, and Flareda Belezaire all of Belize City.

Like most years, it’s a pageant of distinction that promises to be an event to remember. In addition to the traditional strolls across the stage and the various costumes, local artists like B-Wood massive from Buttonwood Bay will also entertain the audience. On Wednesday, the young ladies vying for the title were introduced to the press.

According to Executive Director, Margaret Johnson, they have lost five days of training due to Hurricane Dean, but have caught up over the last two days.

“It’s been tedious due to the weather. Nevertheless, I have some very nice young girls going up and we’ve had good participation. I’ve had a lot of applications, but as I had mentioned earlier, I only chose the ones who I thought were ready because we had only a short time to prepare.”

Contestant Tanisha Vernon, during a brief interview with this newspaper mentioned her decision to enter was an inspiration.

“I’ve had a lot of support, but I must say thanks especially to my parents who were my biggest motivators. Being my first time, I thought it would be a great experience. I will also get to meet new friends.”

Reporter also spoke to Melanie Lammey, who is being sponsored by Belize Telemedia Limited. According to the brave at heart, she entered because “as a little girl growing up, I’ve always dreamt about becoming an ambassador to Belize and this pageant will give me the opportunity to become that ambassador.”

She continued, “I also entered this pageant because I really want to prove to myself that I am not as shy as I believe I am.”

These eight women also participated in a swimsuit and fashion competition on Saturday last, September 8. In the end, it was Lorriean Samuels who walked away with both titles.

The present Miss Belize, Maria Jeffries says her last year has been great. Not only had she traveled to numerous places like Merida and the United States, but was also this year’s Costa Maya Queen, which happened just last month in Ambergris Caye. She concluded by saying that if she had a choice, she would not give up her crown because the rewards are overwhelming.

For additional information on the contestants, you can visit their official website at www.missbelize.bz. Tickets can be purchased at any Venus outlet, the Princess Hotel or at D.J. Tambran at $20 for reserve and $10 for general and children before 6:00P.M. on September 13. An additional $10 will be added for those purchased anytime after.

Source: The Reporter