Photo: (l-r) Miss Universe Aruba, Kiara Arends; Miss Belize, Ashley Lightburn; Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel; and Miss Universe El Salvador, Alejandra Guajardo Sada
by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Wed. Aug. 30, 2023
The Fort Street Tourist Village in Belize City buzzed with excitement today, due to the visit of the reigning Miss Universe 2022, R’Bonney Gabriel, along with her Miss Universe delegates. Miss Belize, Ashley Lightburn, was there to extend a warm Belizean welcome to the beauty queen and her entourage.
R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe seven months ago at the 71st edition of the Miss Universe pageant, which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Gabriel, accompanied by Miss Universe Aruba, Kiara Arends; and Miss Universe El Salvador, Alejandra Guajardo Sada, sailed in aboard the Carnival Vista cruise ship.
The exchange of warm hugs, smiles, and gifts took place as the local media houses captured the reunion among the women.
Despite their tight schedule, the beauty queens had a day filled with Belizean adventures. “We have just a day here because we’re on a cruise. But as far as I know, we’re going to the ruins, which I have been to Belize before, but I didn’t get to see the ruins and learn more about the history. So, I’m looking forward to that. And hopefully some Belize food,” shared an excited Gabriel.
Echoing her sentiments, Ashley Lightburn, representing Belize, remarked, “I am her Miss Universe sister. So, I will be accompanying her. We’re going to Altun Ha. I will be sharing my Belizean knowledge with her [and] with the rest of the Miss Universe girls who are here with us. And we will be having a great Belizean time here to showcase Belize as best as I can.”
The Carnival Vista’s itinerary spans three destinations—Honduras, Belize, and Mexico. “We’re visiting Belize, also Cozumel, Honduras. But the whole idea… because Miss Universe… we have about 75, 80 girls from each country that are representing their nation, and we just want to shine a light more and share with the world, you know, the great country, Belize, and the other countries as well,” elaborated Gabriel.
Belize welcomes these beauty queens!