And the winner is.....

18-year-old Nyah Bandelier was named Miss World Bahamas 2019 on May 26 before a capacity crowd at the Atlantis Theatre, Paradise Island and an international audience watching by way of live stream. This was the first pageant for the high school graduate who prior to entering, was awarded several scholarships to begin studies in September to become a medical doctor.  Now that she has captured the title of Miss World Bahamas, those plans have been temporarily put on hold as she has her sights set on Miss World.

 Under the theme ‘Reflections – be the change you want to see’, the eight contestants captivated the audience from start to finish with outstanding performances. The pageant saw several dramatic twists and turns, with the judging panel, the viewing audience and contestants all weighing in on who should be queen. Nyah was awarded a year-long salary as an ALIV brand Ambassador. In addition, she receives: a cash award, styling services by David Rolle, a designer wardrobe, Club One Fitness Center membership for one year, hair and makeup services, dental services, travel and access to top-tier events and the chance to represent The Bahamas at Miss World 2019 in Thailand. Her preparations for the international competition now begin in earnest.

Nyah’s crowning was the culmination of weeks of hard work. Contestants were subjected to four intense days of boot camp, photography, videography and more at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel and the Sandyport Beach Resort which comprised of 14-hour days of training, lectures, grooming, photography and more. The subjects covered were purpose and mission, self-esteem, effective public speaking, health and nutrition, living a limitless life, being an effective youth ambassador, and handling media. Their training was filmed in a 4-part reality TV series ‘Road to The Crown’ which was broadcast on Cable 12 TV.

The nation’s newest beauty ambassador represented the island of Eleuthera. She is a model who aspires to be a successful entrepreneur and Doctor, specializing in obstetrics. A trained dancer, Nyah enjoys sushi and tacos.  She is passionate about raising awareness on plastic pollution in The Bahamas through membership in the Bahamas Plastic Movement which promotes plastic pollution education and ocean conservation.

First and second runner up titles were awarded to Miss Balmoral Island Shakera Hall and Miss Crystal Cay La’Tiqua Smith respectively.