by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 28, 2023
The 78th national Queen of the Bay (QOB) pageant took place this past weekend at Belize City’s Civic Centre, where 20-year-old Kendall Morgan, representing Belize Rural, was named the Queen of the Bay designate for 2023-2024.
Eight contestants graced the stage on Saturday night, each representing a different part of the country: Naya Bodden—Belize City; Aliyah Guzman—Toledo; Keely Faux—Stann Creek West; Neveah Ramos—Belmopan; Tori Chaplin—Stann Creek Central; Alina Iglesias—Corozal; Yamileth Chavez—Santa Elena/San Ignacio, and Kendall Morgan—Belize Rural.
The Queen of the Bay is Belize’s oldest pageant, initiated in 1946 with the first crowned Queen of the Bay being Rita Lewis. It is a staple of Belize’s September celebrations.
This year’s pageant, hosted by Dale McDougal and Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy, was organized into four distinct segments. Delegates introduced themselves and the areas they represented, showcased their talents in a special recorded performance (previously done at the Bliss Institute of Performing Arts on Wednesday, August 23), modeled elegant formal wear, and participated in a rigorous Q&A session.
The panel of judges included former Queen of the Bay (2000), Stephanie Young; former Queen of the Bay (1977), Vanessa Jones-Jenkins-Young; former Miss Belize finalist and director for Miss Earth Belize, Karen Burk-Young; former fashion model, voice-over professional, and current senior bank executive in New York, Hilda Thompson; and former television host, journalist, and current communications and government affairs officer at the Belize Sugar Industries, William Neal,
The event also recognized 13 past Queens of the Bay, whose names were recently engraved on plaques which were installed at the Memorial Park in Fort George, Belize City. These accomplished women, representing decades of history, graced the event, each gracefully bowing before the reigning Queen Maslin Hanson.
At the end of the evening, Kendall Morgan was crowned the Queen of the Bay, while the first runner-up was Keely Faux of Stann Creek West, and the second runner-up was Neveah Ramos, representing Belmopan.
Additionally, Morgan earned the title of Miss Eloquence for her best response during the Q&A round.
However, the Queen of the Bay title isn’t just about the glamour. It offers the queen a platform to advocate for societal causes.
Morgan, with her academic background in biochemistry and her passion as a student-athlete, is dedicated to nurturing children and youth, and advocating for their development and brighter futures through the realm of sports.
The official coronation is set for September 10 during the annual Battle of St. George’s Caye ceremony. There, Maslin Hanson, the reigning queen, will pass on the crown, robe, and scepter, as well as a legacy of grace and commitment, to the new Queen of the Bay.
Other visiting queens from various pageants, including Ms. World Belize, Ms. Y, Ms. Afrikan Queen, Ms. Carnival Queen, and Ms. Intercontinental Belize, were also present.