Meet the delegates for 67th Queen of the Bay

The historic Queen of the Bay Pageant takes place this weekend at Bird’s Isle. Now, pageants of all types have sprung up over the years, but the local Queen of the bay has withstood the test of time. In the sixty-seven year history of the Queen of the Bay, organizers have worked tirelessly to retain its symbolism and traditions so on Saturday night, the curtsy will be one of the most anticipated features of the pageant. Eleven delegates from across the country will be competing and Freelance Reporter Duane Moody caught up with them at their final rehearsal. Here is a preview of what you can expect on Saturday night.

Miss Stann Creek

“I am Yadira Arguetta representing the house of Thomas Vincent Ramos, Stann Creek District.”

Queen of the West

“I am Marcia Moody, Queen of the West.”

Miss Belizean Heritage

“Hello everyone, my name is Kamisha Yorke, Miss Belizean Heritage proudly representing Keithling House.”

Miss Belize City

“Erin Montero, Miss Belize City proudly representing Fairweather House.”

Miss Caribbean Sea

“I am Gorlee Marin, Miss Caribbean Sea, proudly representing Flower’s House.”

Miss Victoria Peak

“I am Karish Tillett and it is with pride that I represent Barrow House as Miss Victoria Peak.”

Miss Belizean Pride

“I am Miss Belizean Pride proudly representing Simon Lamb’s House.”

Miss Blue Hole

“I am Meisha Ottley, Miss Blue Hole, proudly representing Moss House.”

Queen of the Bay, Corozal

“I am Everee Mendez, Queen of the Bay, Corozal.”

Queen of the Bay, Belmopan

“My name is Jasmine Arce, Queen of the Bay Belmopan.”

Duane Moody, Reporting

These ten hopefuls as well as Miss Dangriga, Christine Peters, will be vying for the prestigious title of Queen of the Bay 2012.  It’s the largest number of delegates since 2001 when former title holder, Natalie Perez beat twelve others for the title. Perez is now the trainer for the young women who have been preparing at the Royal Wellness Center.

Natalie Perez

Natalie Perez, Trainer

“What they can expect is eleven pretty young ladies vying for this title patriotism of course being shown in their talent, their introduction and of course their curtsy and everything else that comes with it. It’s more than just a beauty pageant—it was never looked at that way—and that’s why we embrace every type of young lady that comes here because everyone is patriotic. So it is not about beauty; it’s about intelligence.”

Karima Card

Karima Card, Committee Member

“All these young ladies are very talented. Throughout the week they formed friendships and so I think that eases the nervousness a bit. Even though you know you are performing in front of so many people, you are nervous and you do have those butterflies in your stomach. I think they are comfortable with each other up to this point and I think it makes it much easier for them when pageant night comes around. You have the same segments: the introduction, the talent, the curtsy and the march. Those are what you can expect every year; that is what makes the Queen of the Bay different from every other pageant or competition out there. So in terms of the program there aren’t many changes.”

And for the current Queen of the Bay, Amanda Taylor, her year of reign will be an experience that she will cherish for a lifetime. She says she is honored to have served as an ambassador to youths.

Amanda Taylor

Amanda Taylor, Reigning Queen of the Bay

“It has been an overwhelming experience ever. We have been invited to the Governor General’s ball, we have been invited to schools, you also get a chance to be a patriotic ambassador and to inspire young ladies. I feel overwhelmed when little girls run up to me and say hi or you are so pretty and oh I wanna be like you; that’s a really big thing. These girls are really great. I think all of them have a great chance of being the next Queen of the Bay; however, it is hard to determine because each one of them will bring something different to the stage.”

The pageant starts at seven-thirty at Bird’s Isle. Duane Moody for News Five.