The National Queen of the Bay – a Belizean Tradition
It’s a tradition that has been etched in Belizean history and on Saturday night, the seventy-eighth annual National Queen of the Bay Pageant takes place at the Belize City Civic Center. Eight delegates from across the country are vying for the prestigious title and the crown. In tonight’s episode of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Duane Moody meets the delegates.
Duane Moody, Reporting
It is the longest running pageant in the country, happening for seventy-eight years in an unbroken line since 1946. Keeping this tradition alive, Queen of the Bay is part of our national celebrations and is unique to the country. The national winners have their names etched in Belize’s history. The pageant has evolved over the years and this year, there are some twists.
Mazlin Hanson
Mazlin Hanson, Reigning National Queen of the Bay
“Over the years, with the Queen of the Bay pageant, we’ve kept up with women empowerment and embracing culture and traditions. So I come bearing news. Tomorrow the girls start off with their interview segment in the morning. And later in the night, at the Bliss at six o’clock p.m., the girls will be having their talent segment. This is where they showcase their talents and usually it is based on a nationalistic topic. And then on Thursday, we are going to have the first ever unveiling of the Queen of the Bay plaque at the Memorial Park at two p.m. The seventy-eighth pageant, an unbroken line. Pure Belizean richness, tradition and heritage – one hundred percent original, Belizean. This is where we will be looking for my successor.”
The weeklong activities commenced with a sashing ceremony on Sunday and the delegates are making media appearances and courtesy calls with government leaders. All this is ahead of the beauty pageant this Saturday. So who are the delegates vying for the title?
Keely Faux
Keely Faux, Delegate, Stann Creek West
“Hello Belize, my name is Keely Faux. I am representing the beautiful Stann Creek West. I am advocating for coral restoration.”
Kendall Morgan
Kendall Morgan, Delegate, Belize Rural
“Greetings Belize, my name is Kendal Morgan, Miss Belize Rural 2023. I am advocating for children and youth to be supported with the chance of a brighter future through sports.”
Naya Bodden
Naya Bodden, Delegate, Belize City
“Hello Belize, my name is Naya Bodden representing the beautiful city of Belize. My platform is to advocate for students who are struggling in poverty.”
Tori Chaplin
Tori Chaplin, Delegate, Stann Creek Central
“Hi Belize, my name is Tori Chaplin representing Stann Creek Central. I am advocating for women in sports.”
Neveah Ramos
Neveah Ramos, Delegate, Belmopan
“Hello Belize, my name is Neveah Ramos and I am representing our nation’s capital, Belmopan. My platform is dedicated to nurturing a deep appreciation for our diverse traditions and ethnic heritage for the youth.”
Yamileth Chavez
Yamileth Chavez, Delegate, San Ignacio/Santa Elena
“Hello Belize, my name is Yamileth Chavez and I’m representing our beloved twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and I advocate fro the youths in sports.”
Alina Iglesias
Alina Iglesias, Delegate, Corozal
“Hi Belize, my name is Alina Iglesias and I am here representing our northernmost district, Corozal. My platform is to support children with disabilities and special needs.”
Aliyah Guzman
Aliyah Guzman, Delegate, Toledo
“Greeting Belize, I am Aliyah Guzman, representing the southernmost district, Toledo. I am advocating for a reduction of gun violence.”
Reigning Queen Mazlin Hanson says that the pageant is about looking for true Belizean patriots as their platforms and work within the community begin even before winning the national crown.
Mazlin Hanson
“Before our reign, we start our work – during the reign – and even if we don’t win, the girls go back to their communities and municipalities and be ambassadors and advocate and raise awareness for what they want to do. And even after the reign, you find your passion and then you just continue it. Like my platform was advocating for inclusivity of youth and women in leadership and I am still passionate about that up today.”
And while the most difficult section of the pageant may be subjective, the curtsy is most anticipated. Queen Mazlin weighed in on that, having won best curtsy last year.
Mazlin Hanson
“In my case, it would be the curtsy, but you have to work; it is something that you have to do. I ended up getting awarded for the best curtsy at my competition so maybe I can say it isn’t the hardest. But if you work for it, you will achieve it. One of them has to be my successor and actually, I am really ready to pass my crown because no matter who wins, I am confident that they will do a good job at taking their reign.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
