It's a venerable September tradition, but the Queen of the Bay pageant never seems to get old: it's kept fresh every year by an infusion of young women. On Friday, those 8 young women from across the country will be contesting this year's Queen of the Bay pageant. Today we caught up with them as they were having breakfast at the Putt Putt Bar and Grill and they told us why you should attend.
Leesha Pollard, Miss Albert
"I think I have what it takes to become the next Queen of the Bay. Also the motivation of my family and friends helped me to have the confidence, and know that I can do this. I want to experience how it feels to be in a prestigious pageant like the Queen of the Bay Pageant."
Sherlene Anderson, Miss Toledo
"I ran up for the Queen of the Bay this year because I saw it as my patriotic duty to share my beautiful country."
Zena Waight, Queen of the West
"I participated in the Queen of the West Pageant because it is a learning experience for me as an individual and also a learning experience to all the other candidates."
Carie Emerald Wong K, Miss Stann Creek
"I think it's a wonderful experience because of the patriotic nature of the pageant. Also because this is one of the few pageants that's not a beauty pageant, it's more about being ladylike and having grace and charm as opposed to just beauty."
Vanessa Chan, Miss San Ignacio
"I think it's a fun experience, a learning experience. I like to meet new people and see new faces and the different opportunities you get when you join this Queen of the Bay Pageant."
Tanisha Clare, Miss Esperanza
"I think the pageant is a very patriotic part of Belize, it's a part of our traditions and I think that every young woman should try and come into the pageant because it's a learning experience and you get to meet new friends and be a part of our history."
Keera Laken Ford, Miss City of Belize
"I think I got what it takes to represent Belize as an ambassador and one of Belize's patriots."
Delonie Flores, Miss Port Loyola
"I want the people out there to see that I am an intelligent person and I have lots of things to offer."
Leesha Pollard,
"I know that I have what it takes, I can actually go around and help other people, especially in the next communities, and also society itself; help them to understand the history of Belize and know about Belize."
Sherlene Anderson,
"I should become the next Queen of the Bay because I am very exemplary teenager."
Alfonso Noble,
How so? How are you exemplary?
Sherlene Anderson,
"I am exemplary because I stay in school, keep away from bad influences, listen to my elders, practice entrepreneurial skills; all in all I strive to be an absolute epitome of goodness, kindness, and commitment to my beautiful country Belize."
Zena Waight,
"I should become the Queen of the Bay because I think I am prepared to be the Queen of the Bay."
Carie Emerald Wong K,
"I should become the next Queen of the Bay because I bring a lot of things to the table. I have experience working with different people in different areas and also because I'd like to present a positive role models to the youths of our country."
Vanessa Chan,
"I should be the next Queen of the Bay because I could be a role model for young people. I know lots of people look up to me because when we were practicing in San Ignacio, I noticed, a lot of kids came up to me and said they wanted me to be the queen and they were so nice. So I believe if I were to be the Queen of the Bay this year I would be a good role model."
Tanisha Clare,
"I think I should become the next Queen of the Bay because I want to offer Belize a lot, I want to be a part of the programs that will be held throughout the year, and to gain exposure to have a better chance of obtaining a job because since I'm in the pageant people will recognize me and when I go in they will know me already."
Keera Laken Ford,
"I think I should be the next Queen because I think I'll be a perfect role model for our younger generation that is presently coming up and I will greet everyone with a pleasant smile."
Delonie Flores,
"I see myself as a role model to my younger generation."
Alfonso Noble,
Role model in what manner?
Delonie Flores,
"In a positive manner."
Alfonso Noble,
Who do you think is going to be the next Queen of the Bay?
Leesha Pollard,
"Well I'll let the judges decide."
Sherlene Anderson,
"Just looking around our peers, I know that all of us are winners and I can't really exactly say because it's like you never ever judge a book by its cover, you open the book and read it. So I really and truly can't say."
Zena Waight,
"Everybody deserves to be the Queen of the West because all the girls are very enchanting. But I personally that the best will win so I don't know who the best is, we will try our best to perform good for all the audience."
Carie Emerald Wong K,
"I haven't picked out who might be the winner and thankfully that is not our job, we are not judges, so I think we all have good traits, good assets, and I'm not sure who will be the winner. The judges will have to make that decision, unfortunately for them."
Vanessa Chan,
"It's a tough challenge. I see all the girls have a big potential so I'm not sure."
Tanisha Clare,
"I think we're all winners, everyone has great talent and everyone is well educated, and I think we all have equal opportunity to be the next Queen of the Bay."
Keera Laken Ford,
"All of us are winners and all the candidates are wonderful people so I really can't judge."
The pageant will take place on Friday at the City Center.
