The 2006 Miss Universe will be chosen this weekend in Los Angeles California. But there is no need to be glued to NBC to see Belize's few seconds in the spotlight because there will be no Miss Belize there. Why? Well Belize hasn't selected a Miss Universe contestant in three years. The last Miss Universe Belize to actually be selected at a pageant was Leilah Pandy all the way back in 2003. Last year Andrea Elrington represented Belize but she didn't win a pageant, she was handpicked. So we won't be in Los Angeles but Pageants Belize has gotten a head start for next year. Miss Universe Belize will chosen on July 29th but there is a twist. Keith Swift tells us more.
Keith Swift Reporting
There are only two crowns and there are nine girls. On Friday July 29th, two will leave with crowns on their heads. Meet the field of talent comprising a student, nurses, teachers, and a banker vying for one of the crowns.
Felicita Arzu: I am Felicita Arzu and I hail from the beautiful district of Orange Walk also known as Sugar City. I fee honored to be one of the delegates here today.
Candice Hutchinson: My name is Candice Hutchinson and I come from Orange Walk Town. I am 18 years old and I am a teacher at All Saint's School in Belize.
Shawna Pott: My name is Shawna Pott and I am from the lovely district of Corozal. I am 19 years old and currently pursuing an associate's degree in Biology and Chemistry at the Corozal Junior College.
Ebony Lyall: I am 20-year-old Ebony Lyall and I am also from the Corozal District. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology that I attained at The University of Belize.
Vicky Arceo: My name is Vicky Arceo. I am 21 years old and I am presently attending Sacred Heart Junior College majoring in General Studies. To me this is a dream come true, being a delegate for this year's Miss Belize 2006.
Sharilee Green: Pleasant good morning to one and all. I am Sharilee Green, 22 years old, and currently working at Belize Bank Limited.
Maria Jeffrey: Welcome everyone my name is Maria Jeffrey. I am 24 years old. I am currently a student at UB studying nursing.
Malaika Yorke: My name is Malaika Yorke. I am 20 years old and I am currently attending Weslsy Junior College and I am taking my associates in information technology.
Publicity director for Pageants Belize Birdy Francis explains how from one pageant on one night, there will be two winners.
Birdy Francis, Publicity Director
"What we're going to do is ask the judges to look at the girl and pick two winners. So it is going to be a challenge for them because instead of just picking one first place winner, they'll have to pick two first place winners and it is not like first second. It is not Miss Belize Universe that is first and Miss Belize World is second. It is two winners they will be selecting and the people that come after that will be like first runner up and second runner up and so forth."
And part of the reason why we need to choose two winners in one night is because Belize hasn't chosen a new Miss Universe in three years. Margaret Johnson is at the helm of a revived Pageants Belize.
Margaret Johnson, Pageants Belize
"This is not a part time job that I have taken on. I've taken on it as a fulltime event so when this pageant is finished, we start with 2007. As far as the reputation we've had before, well not we…well we because we are we now, I would like to say that people have to give us a chance. Give us a chance and with time we will learn from our mistakes."
And there should be no mistakes on the pageant stage either. The girls are working under the strict guidance of Los Angeles runway model Opal Enriquez. She is Belizean by birth and boasts of winning 5 out of the 6 pageants she has participated in. Today she told us that yes, image does matter but it isn't everything.
Opal Enriquez, Talent Coordinator
"I think the image is everything. They say from a judge's perspective, they know who wins within the first minute of the competition and that is really about how you enter the stage and how you present yourself. Of course everything else is important; the speech, the interview process, and the look. But it doesn't come down to who is the most beautiful, it is about who is the biggest package."
Keith Swift,
Do you have a favorite?
Opal Enriquez,
"I do but I can't tell you that."
The pageant is on July 29th but the swimsuit competition will be held this weekend at the Princess Hotel. To judge for yourself visit http://www.MissBelize.bz.
