(Photo: Glenn Davis)

30 Years Embracing Our Inner Beauty

Freeport, Bahamas - Miss Grand Bahama 2016/ 2017 was crowned on June 30th in front of a packed audience at the Pelican Bay Hotel. It was Tiasha Lewis who took the coveted title, with first runner-up Lezlia Jones, and second runner-up Leshelle Lee Forbs.

Jalaya Solomon opened the evening by singing the Bahamas national anthem. Family, friends and supporters enjoyed themselves watching the delegates in their opening number during the introduction, and in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

The audience went wild when the five competitors represented our country's beautiful flowers. The segment came down to the top three finalists who were Lashelle Lee Forbes representing the sunflower, Tiasha Lewis representing the hibiscus;  and Lezlia Jones representing the bougainvillea.

 

Each finalist then had to give a 2-minute speech on their platform.

Hosts April Crowther Gow and Pleasant Bridgewater kept the audience interested and a special performance was given by Charity Hipolight and Corey Higgs.

Wilfred Solomon also performed, and gave a beautiful rendition of, “Three times A Lady”, by Lionel Ritchie, serenading the delegates in their evening gowns.

The Friendship Award went to Gabrielle Gardiner and Miss Photogenic went to Lezlia Jones.

 

The judges who did a great job in selecting the winner were former Miss Grand Bahama, Tempestt Stubbs, Italia Hall, Alison Smith, and judge coordinator, Karen Johnson.

 

Outgoing queen Danielle Pratt graciously did her final walk, thanking all of her sponsors and gave encouragement to all the delegates and the New Miss Grand Bahama.

Born October 10th, 1999, the new Miss Grand Bahama, Tiasha Lews says she's a girl with the passion to make a difference in the lives of Bahamians was born. The youngest of six children, she aspires to become a motivational speaker, financial advisor, and successful entrepreneur.
 
As the current head girl of St. Georges High School, Tiasha's hobbies/talents include: poetry writing, dancing, modelling and motivational speaking. She is an active participant in the National Arts Festival (drama & dance), a current member of Freeport Bible Church Youth Spiritual Development Class, and involved in many clubs and community service activities.

Tiasha is also bilingual. The Ministry of Education granted her a full scholarship to learn Spanish fluently in Costa Rica for three weeks this past summer. She says that her fluency has progressed tremendously, and as a bilingual individual she hopes to use her skills to represent our country in international pageants.

The honour roll student says she hopes to leave a legacy as a true role model to other students by using her talent of inspiration to motivate them. She believes in the youth of our nation which is why she is passionate about “Youth Empowerment.”

Her favorite scripture verse which is the source of her strength and motivation reminds her, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, life, love, faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12.)

 

This year's event sponsors are: The Art of Giving, Escanti, Patrice, Kelly’s, SkyBahamas, Western Air, Bahamian Brewery, Foste’s, AVON, YMCA, Columbian Emeralds, Ministry of Tourism, and The Bahamas Weekly.

The Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant Organization is made up of the following hard working team: James Bridgewater, Director; Grace Farquharson, Chairperson; Pleasant Bridgewater, Public Relations; April Crowther Gow, MC;  Kevin Johnson, Coordinator; and Glenn Davis, Director.  The pageant celebrates 30 years in 2016!

Follow the adventures of Miss Grand Bahama Tiasha Lewis on Facebook HERE.


 

Miss Grand Bahama 2015, Danielle Pratt interviewed by April Crowther Gow and Pleasant Bridgewater