The Miss Earth pageant is underway in Vienna, Austria and culminated with the finals on December 5th. Miss Bahamas Earth, 25 year old Daronique Young is representing her country at the prestigious pageant, and having the time of her life!
Prelminaries have been underway as well, and the pageant's focus is to be an "International Environmental Event channeling the beauty pageant entertainment industry as an effective tool to promote environmental awareness."
Apart from a strong emphasis on environmental protection programs, MISS EARTH also aims to showcase and promote various tourist destinations. Every year, 80 to 90 candidates from all over the world compete on beauty and knowledge of environmental issues.
The winner will serve as the Ambassador to environmental protection campaigns worldwide. Event schedule.
The following is Daronique's responses to the Miss Earth pageant:
Describe your childhood growing years:
During these years, I lived and went to school in New Providence, but spent many of my school breaks on the out islands with my cousins, aunts and other family members. There I played outdoors most of the time, which was much different than in the city. The atmosphere was always much more relaxed and free. This was also a chance for me to reunite with my cousins who lived in the city. Although the island of New Providence is small, somehow we were hardly ever able to see each other, except for on the out islands.
During this stage of my life, I began to experience bullying from other school mates. I also began participating in athletics, which later served as a platform for me to represent my country. What lessons did you learn from your childhood?
My greatest lessons came from experiencing bullying during those years. Bullies come in so many different forms and stages in life and although people won’t always accept you for who you are, the things you love or the things you do, you have to be able to accept and love yourself. It’s our differences that make us unique and what makes life so beautiful. Any special facts or story about your family?
I come from a family of animal lovers. We’ve always had pets for as long as I can remember. We’ve had dogs, fish, rabbits, ducks, goats, snakes and even peacocks. Our love for animals eventually lead to my mom opening a pet store and lead to my profession in being an aquarist and animal groomer.
What is the most unusual thing you have ever done?
In January of 2015, I went to mother’s office to help her with some work and ended up assisting in fighting a raging fire at the city dump in New Providence.
Daronique in National Costume
What is your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was when I had graduated with a bachelor's degree in tourism management in Spring 2015. It was when I collected my degree and walked across the stage that I realised all of my efforts in working and attending college on a full time basis was worth it. It’s an accomplishment that no one can ever take away from me.
What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?
My environmental advocacy is Coral and Mangrove protection and restoration.
Climate Change is a pressing issue that’s affecting the world. As a result of this, ocean currents are stronger, tides are higher and tropical storms are more severe. The geographical landscape of the Bahamas is one that is low lying with our highest point being only 63 meters above sea level. Because of this we rely on coral reefs and mangroves to break powerful wave strength and to absorb water that can cause flooding. In addition to climate change affecting the survival of coral reefs, we are also faced with the problems of poaching, pollution and construction along the coastline which not only threatens the mangroves and the corals but the islands of the Bahamas at large. What can you promote about your country?
It's better in the Bahamas! There is a reason why millions of people come to our beautiful country every year, to enjoy the beaches, hospitality and cultural offerings. We are second to none in the world as a tourist destination and I am immensely proud of that.
What trivia about yourself would like to share?
I have once groomed 22 dogs on a single day.
