BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 31, 2015–September is the most celebrated month in Belize and the Queen of the Bay pageant has always been a central part of these celebrations.
This year, Falon Cain, Miss Stann Creek, was selected as the new Queen of the Bay on Saturday, August 29, at the Bliss Institute in Belize City. The prizes she received include a scholarship from the Minister of Education, Patrick Faber; $1,000 from Prime Minister Dean Barrow; a laptop from Fultec, a Digicell package from BTL; a beauty treatment package from Mapye’s Beauty World; and a ring from Medina’s House of Jewelry.
There were 9 beautiful young ladies who vied for the title of Queen of the Bay: Sherylee N. Dawson, Miss Caye Caulker; Courtney Celes Staine, Miss Belize City; Nicole Monique Hamilton, Miss Caribbean Sea; Shanya Gwenmaria Garnett, Miss Barrier Reef; Pricilla Alesandra Guerra, Miss Belizean Pride; Angelique Alexanderia Straker, Miss St. George’s Caye; Melissa Azucena Robinson, Miss Belmopan; Falon Tiana Cain, Miss Stann Creek; and Kiyarah Alissa Austin, Miss Black Orchid.
The director of the Queen of the Bay Committee, Dejanira Thompson, told Amandala that the pageant started in 1946 as a reminder of our ancestors’ victory over the Spaniards in 1798. She emphasized, “This isn’t just a beauty pageant; it is the most prestigious pageant in Belize…the queen is our emblem of freedom, and she represents the country.”
The pageant started with the introduction of the contestants, which was followed by a segment that featured the contestants showcasing their talent, after which they modeled their evening gowns.
In her speech, the outgoing Queen of the Bay, Monisha Stuart (2014-2015), said that her reign was a remarkable experience. She credited her Heavenly Father and her mother for making it all possible. She recalled that during her reign, she met many people and was invited to many events in Belize and abroad, including the Belize Youth Forum 2015, the Governor’s General Ball, and Miss America-Belize. Stuart encouraged the contestants to believe in themselves and to follow their hearts and dreams. She added that they are capable of anything as long as they are disciplined and determined. She offered her congratulations to her successor and let her know that everything would change after that night, since she would become a public figure. She advised her to nonetheless stay patient, kind and most of all, humble.