The new Miss Grand Bahama 2009, Garelle Hudson stands center in her crown. From left to right is: Kerel Pinder, Miss GBI 2008, Nikie Severe, (in yellow) Keithora Young, and Rashan Albury. Photo: Derek Carroll

Grand Bahama Island - The new Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Queen for 2009 is Miss Garelle Hudson. Miss Hudson was crowned by Miss Grand Bahama 2008, Kerel Pinder after a stiff competition against 5 other lovely young ladies on Sunday, March 29th at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre.

1st runner up was Nikie Severe, 2nd runner up was Keithora Young and 3rd runner up was Rashan Albury.

This year's pageant theme was "Diamonds" and all of the six contestants and Kerel Pinder put on a wonderful Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend number. All six contestants showcased their costumes which were to depict their country in some way.

Then the top four finalists were then announced, and that was followed by the swim suit and evening gown competition. Each of the four contestants were then asked to speak about their 'platform' - what they wish to give back to their community.

Before the new queen was announced Miss Kerel Pinder made her farewell walk as a kaleidoscope of images were shown projected on a screen of all her activities over the past year.

Mistress of Ceremony was April Crowther-Gow, and the judges for this year's pageant were: Miss Teen Grand Bahama, Jillian Russell, Victor Skinner, Rose Carson, and Jill Crithfield. The judges were assisted by Karon Pinder-Johnson.

After the show, the new queen and her entourage, judges and the Miss Grand Bahama Pageant Organization were treated to a small reception sponsored by Sabor Restaurant at the Pelican Bay Hotel.

Miss Grand Bahama 2008, Kerel Pinder places the crown on an emotional Garelle Hudson, the new Miss Grand Bahama 2009 at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre on March 29th. Photo: Derek Carroll

Individual awards went as follows:

Physical Fitness - Keithora Young

Costume - Nikie Severe

Top Model - Garelle Hudson

Miss Photogenic - Kezia Pratt

Miss Popularity (sold most tickets) - Keithora Young

People's Choice - Keithora Young

Miss Amity - Stacey  Gibson

Talent Award - Keithora Young

Miss Garelle Hudson Photo: Derek Carroll

The Miss Grand Bahama Pageant Organization wishes to thank the following:

Regional Air, YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, Pelican Bay, Terreve Institute, Isle of Capri, Old Bahama Bay, The Bahamas Weekly, Sands, Rock Island Bar, Michael Pintard, Debra Pratt, Pakeisha Edgecombe, Damaris Thompson, Mrs. Mullings, Leslie Simmons, Discovery Cruise Lines, Sabor Restaurant, Western Air, Traffic Bahamas, Bahama Brides Unleashed, After Seven Bridal, Pratt's Takeout Restaurant, Gibson's Gorgeous Ladies Wear, Seventeen Shop, Garden of the Groves, and Zorbas Restaurant.

The 2009 Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant committee members were: Leshan Ferguson, Dale Wells, Dinna Cooper and President, Glenn Davis.

Garelle Hudson Photo: Derek Carroll

Garelle Hudson Photo: Derek Carroll

Miss Grand Bahama 2008, Kerel Pinder says farewell after a rewarding year as queen. Photo: Khambrell Farrington

Miss Grand Bahama 2008, Kerel Pinder before handing over her crown. Photo: Khambrell Farrington