Photo: Donald Knowles

Exuma, The Bahamas - After weeks of preparation for the first round of official competition 17 of the 22 contestants vying for the coveted Miss Bahamas Universe made it through to the Swim Suit & Spokes Model Competition held in Exuma this past weekend - April 17th -19th.

The remaining contestants are Aisha Delaney, Alexandra Deal, Allyssa Knowles, Ashish Gilbert, Amanda Appleyard, Aquelle Plakaris, Camille Kennedy, Cynthia Bleu, Enna Thomas, Ife Bethel-Sears, Garelle Hudson, Jade Strachan, Karlisha McKenzie, Kiara Sherman, Krystal Brown, Ronnell Armbrister and Sharie Delva.

The contestants along with Minister Charles Maynard the pageant's official patron, media and Miss Bahamas Garnell Storr touched down in George Town Exuma via Western Air, the official domestic air partner of the pageant to a warm welcome accompanied by the Exuma Youth Band, and arranged by the Ministry of Tourism Exuma Office.

Later that evening all participants were treated to an official welcome reception sponsored by February Point Resorts which also included the preliminary judges, island officials, committee members and other visting guests. The ladies later retired at the sponsored host hotel, the Four Seasons Resort offering luxury accommodations.

Photo: Donald Knowles

It was a bright and early morning with rehearsals starting at 8am and then on to promotional photo shoots and pre-recording clips for the grand finale by the pageant official and media partner ZNS before the preliminary showcase which started at 6pm.

The beauties gave the audience and judges a grand showing for the event, with  each contestant in hope of securing one of the top 12 spots. They paraded in black & white swim suits and wraps sponsored by Island Wear of Nassau. Later during the Spokes Model segment the ladies were required to address one of three topics - 1) As Miss Bahamas Universe, describe a full day of activities for the 89 contestants of the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant you as host would like to take them on; 2) Design a  30 to 60 second commercial for the Ministry of Tourism and tell of your target market; or 3) Which Islands of The Bahamas is a must see and why?

Most of the contestants presented video presentations tackling the first topic. However, the audience gave a standing ovation to Miss Bimini Kiara Sherman in her self delivered presentation - 'Which Islands of the Bahamas is a must see and why?'. The evening concluded  with a 'meet the locals' dinner at a sponsored event by Stephen of Charlies at the Exuma Fish Fry.... The food was delicious and enjoyed by all.

What is an Exuma Island experience without the key attraction of the Island, its waters. In a sponsored event by Mr. Grahame Cartwright owner of the Cataraman Flying Cloud, the contestants, media and committee members took to the seas for an all day excursion.

It was the highlight of the weekend. The contestants experienced a filming for a movie in grand style. According to one of the contestants, "I felt like I was taking part in the making of the James Bond movie".... "A most memorable experience," says MBUO President Ms. Gaynell Rolle. Special thanks to the Ministry of Tourism Exuma Office, Exuma Transit who provided all of the ground transportation and Don's Car Rental, Four Seasons Resorts and February Point who accommodated our contestants and officials; Western Air our platinum sponsor, 98.3 the Breeze; ZNS; Charlies; Mr. G. Cartwright. and our Minister of Culture Hon. Charles Maynard. All of these people and businesses have helped to make this weekend a grand success.

Photo: Donald Knowles

SLIDESHOW: On April 17th Western Air took a forty-five (45) member team including contestants, committee members and others to George Town Exuma for the Miss Bahamas Universe Swim Suit and Spokes Model Preliminary Competition. The first plane carried Minister of State for Culture Hon. Charles Maynard, judges and members of the media. Within moments the second plane touched town with shouts and screams from the welcoming committee at the airport as Miss Bahamas Garnell Storr led the 2009 Miss Bahamas Contestants to the waiting officials by the serenade of the Exuma Youth Band. Photos: Donald Knowles