By Walter Greene

It was the Grand Finale' of months of rehearsals, photo shoots,
appearances and preparation for one of the Caribbean's most glamorous
pageants. The Miss Bahamas Organization, hosted a glitzy affair the
night after "Miss Teen USA" was crowned on the same stage at Paradise
Island Resort & Casino, Grand Ballroom. Special guest of honor was
"Miss Universe" Leila Lopes who was one of the
judges as fourteen Bahamian beauties battled it out for two titles.
Emerging on top of the leader board were: 23 year-old dental student
D'ANDRA BANNISTER "Miss Olive's Mediterranean" who won the "Miss World
Bahamas" crown and title and will represent the Bahamians at the "Miss
World" pageant in Bali, Indonesia next year and 19 year-old model CELESTE MARSHALL
"Miss D.S. Lifestyles" who captured the "Miss Universe Bahamas" title
and will represent the Bahamas at the "Miss Universe" pageant in
December at a location yet to be announced.

TOP TIER WINNERS
Runners-up to "Miss Universe Bahamas" was 21 year-old Autumn Joy Dames
"Miss PLL Management & Consultants." She earlier won the "Best Talent"
award. Runner-up to "Miss World Bahamas" was 23 year-old Analicia
Thompson "Miss Idyllic". Rounding out the top five court of Queens was
19 year-old Irina Key "Miss Bahamas Construction International Ltd." In
earlier "Fast Track" competitions, both D'Andra and Celeste were
victorious. Celeste won the "Top Model" competition, while D'Andra won
the "Sports Woman" "Best In Swimwear" and "Best In Evening Gown"
competitions.

HIGH POWERED JUDGES
In earlier preliminary judging, the evening gown and talent
competitions set the tone for the final night. An extensive one-on-one
interview session with all of the contestants facing the judges on an
individual basis, pretty much gave the judges an insight on each
contestant. I was honored to serve on the distinguished panel of
judges, along with Leila Lopes the reigning "Miss Universe," Braneka
Bassett "Miss Bahamas 2010" who represented the island at both the
"Miss World" and "Miss Universe" pageants that year; Ashley Lauren
Kerr, fashion designer to the stars; Grace Fontecha, model & Pageant
coach from Puerto Rico; Dr. Barry Russell, noted Bahamian Orthodontist;
Cheryl Edgecomb, entrepreneur; Anushka Lockhart, Model/actress and
pageant manager and Kamela Forbes, International Fashion Model.

FINAL NIGHT DRAMA
On the final night, wearing creations from Ashley Lauren Kerr, the
beauties performed their opening dance segment in keeping with the
theme of the pageant `The Rise of the Phoenix' . After introducing
themselves to thunderous applause from family and pageant fans alike,
it was time for the swimwear competition. They embraced the stage
wearing swimsuits from Herve Ledger'. The evening gowns came next,
followed by the announcement of the top ten semi-finalists. Hosts for
the evening; former Top Model, beautiful Leslia Miller and TV
personality Kendeno Knowles kept the pace moving as they revealed the
top five beauties. Next came the final, crucial question, which was the
same for each contestant. Each of the finalist held their own answering
with grace and poise, but it was D'Andra, wearing a shimmering Sheri
Hill gown of gold and silver jewels on white silk and Celeste in a
blazing red chiffon gown, clinched with silver rhinestones designed by
Riz Wan Ali, that received the judges nod and were crowned Queens.

SPECIAL AWARDS
Other special award included: "Miss Photogenic" Rakia Rolle; "Miss
Congeniality" Adria Flowers; "Miss Popularity" Irina Key; "Lady of
Elegance" Jasmine Forbes; "Best Skin" Deandra Harris; dreadlocked beauty, Kahtura Fernander
went home with three awards: "Sophisticated Cover Girl" (Most poster
sales); "Beauty With A Purpose" (for her community/charity work) and
"Best Hair" Awards. The Miss Bahamas Organization "Spirit Award" went
to Rochelle Alexandre.

CAPTIONS

1 - "Miss World Bahamas" D'Andra Bannister

2 - "Miss Universe Bahamas" Celeste Marshall

3 - Judges designer Ashley Lauren Kerr, Fashion Editor Walter Greene and
Pageant coach Grace Foncheta.

4 - Judges "Miss Universe" Leila Lopes and model Kamela Forbes

5 - "Miss Universe Bahamas" Celeste Marshall in evening wear

6 - Former "Miss Bahamas" Braneka Bassett and Jasmine Forbes "Miss Island
Luck" who won the "Lady of Elegance" award