The 2008 Miss Bahamas World - Eleutheran (19) to vie for title

Paris Knowles, Eleutheran in Miss Bahamas 2008

The Miss Bahamas organization revealed its' "fierce fifteen" in grand style in an unveiling and sashing ceremony on the evening of Monday, June 2 at the Wyndham Nassau Resort Ballroom. The beautiful, Paris Knowles of Harbour Island and the fourteen other contestants introduced themselves, their sponsors and their platforms in the upcoming competition.

(SEE STORY UPDATE WITH PAGEANT RESULTS) 

Paris, a 19 year old currently studying Primary Education at the College of The Bahamas (COB), told The Eleutheran, just how she happened to be a part of this third installment of Miss  Bahamas World. She recounted how the Director of Miss Teen Bahamas approached her while on the COB campus to invite her to enter the Miss Teen competition. As a 19 year old going on 20, she declined because of her age, however, the Director was persistent and promised to  recommend her to the organizers of the Miss Bahamas World competition - Paris was confident that she had the beauty, poise and sincerity required to compete - and the rest as they  say, "is history".

More than 100 well wishers, friends and sponsors attended to cheer their favourite girls on. The talented and highly experienced, Mr. Guius Bethel is the enthusiastic sponsor for Paris and he expressed his delight in the opportunity to contribute by working with another  young lady towards doing her absolute best in this prestigious Miss Bahamas World competition.

A preview of the first installment of "BackStage Pass", the new four part run-up TV broadcast series addition to the main 2008 Miss Bahamas World competition, was shown to the avid audience. It did not disappoint, with the anticipated beauty, emotion and suspense all included in an entertaining show presentation.

This year's Miss Bahamas World Beauty Pageant is slated for June 29th at the Rain forest Theatre of the Wyndham Nassau Resort on Cable Beach under the theme, Pure Elegance. In preparation, the "Fierce Fifteen" have undergone, four months of an extensive training and grooming regimen. Some of the areas of concentration have included, Bahamian history and culture; public speaking; dealing with the media; interview techniques; voice tone and projection, etiquette and cat walk skills.

"One of the goals of the Miss Bahamas Organization is to have all of its contestants and eventual winners meet international pageant standards so as to increase their chances of bringing home global titles" said organizers.

The Winner of the competition goes on to represent The Bahamas at the 2008 miss World Beauty Pageant to be held in the Ukraine on October 4th.

According to officials, the Miss Bahamas Organization and BTC have teamed up once again for the "Vote for Me" campaign. As was done last year, the public is being invited to help choose one of the Top 10 semifinalists through BTC's SMS text voting service. Simply call 376-MISS as of June 3, and enter the contestant's name (Paris Knowles - The Eleutheran). More Information is available online at www.missbahamas.net.

Ninth from left, Paris clearly stands out amongst the fierce fifteen.