Miss Joanna Brown, Miss Grand Bahama won Miss Bahamas World

Nassau, Bahamas – At 17, she was the youngest in the pageant, but Miss Grand Bahama World Joanna Brown won over the judges with her maturity, grace, intelligence and charm to capture the 2009 Miss Bahamas World title. The 6’ 0” high school graduate now begins preparations for the Miss World pageant, which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa in December of this year.

A large crowd came out to witness the pageant, to see which of the “Earth Angels” would emerge victorious. In a tightly contested competition, Joanna did not disappoint her fans, as she appeared confident, calm, and regal during the competition. She now begins intense preparations for the Miss World competition at the hands of international and local beauty experts, led by renown fashion designer and pageant coach Bobby Ackbarali.

Finishing second in this year’s pageant was the lovely Llatetra Laing, Miss Bahamas Experience. Llatetra captured the Miss Bahamas Tourism Queen title, as well as five special awards: Lady of Elegance; Miss Photogenic; Most Beautiful Complextion; Best in Evening Gown; Miss Popularity; and Sexy and Sophisticated Cover Girl award for most Swimsuit poster sales. She will compete in the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant in China next year. Third place went to Dashanique Poitier, Miss Davis Trucking who will represent the Bahamas in the next Miss Intercontinental pageant. Rounding out the top five were Miss Sposabella Bridal, Formal and Evening Wear Devera Pinder and Miss Red Hot Gabrielle Major.

Kendra Wilkinson, Miss D. S. Lifestyles Inc., won the Top Model of the Bahamas title and will represent the country in the next Top Model of the World competition. She also captured the Best in Swimsuit award. Other special award winners were: Miss Bahamas World Sportswoman – Michaela Ferguson, Miss Bella Donna; People’s Choice – Swanique Sawyer, Miss Harbour Island; Most Talented and Beauty with a Purpose – Devera Pinder, Miss Sposabella Bridal, Formal & Evening Wear; Miss Bahamas World Spirit Award – McChenier Johnson, Miss Colors Entertainment; and Miss Congeniality – Danielle Morley, Miss Exuma.

Held under the theme “Earth Angels”, the pageant was a dramatic affair that paid tribute to the work of the Bahamas National Trust, while encouraging its audience to conserve and preserve our natural resources.