BELIZE CITY, Tues. Sept. 4, 2018– In the 73rd Queen of the Bay Pageant, six beautiful ladies from every district except Orange Walk competed to win the crown. In the end, Jenny Lee Cruz, 19, representing Belmopan, was crowned this year’s Queen of the Bay. This is the first time in 11 years that a delegate from our nation’s capital has won the crown.

The six ladies competed in four categories: the formal introduction, talent, evening gown, and question and answer categories. At the end of the evening, although all the contestants performed well, Cruz was crowned by the former Queen of the Bay, Aaliyah Ysaguirre.

Cruz, who is originally from Roaring Creek, is a daughter of well-known musician, born-again-Christian, and media personality, Fem Cruz. Prior to the pageant, Jenny Cruz said that she wanted to win so she could get a platform to work with young people in a positive manner, in order for them to develop the skills necessary for them to excel.

After the pageant, Cruz told the media that she loves singing and wants to have a music programme where she can teach youths more about music. She also wants to visit hospitals and schools and use her position to encourage anyone she can.

Cruz also won the title of Miss Eloquence, which is judged by the way the delegates answered the questions posed to them during the question and answer round.

Neisha Bailey, who represented Belize City, was declared first runner up. She also won in the most talented category.

Carolyn Jang, representing Stann Creek, was second runner up and also won the title of “Most Elegantly Dressed.”

Shaunda Williams, who represented Toledo, won in the categories of “Miss Amity” and “Miss Photogenic.”