Published On:Tuesday, August 17, 2010

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

FIVE years ago Rayette McDonald of Esteem Productions started a beauty pageant that celebrated the curves of the full-figured woman. This pageant was like no other in that each contestant could be no smaller than a size fourteen.

Ms McDonald and her team were determined to redefine the standard of beauty set by society and show the public that it didn't matter if a woman is a size two or 22.

In 2006, the Miss Full Figured Beauty Organisation crowned the first ever Miss Full Figured Bahamas.

And now the Esteem Productions team have made history once again as 17-year-old Jacklyn Frazer was crowned the first ever Miss Teen Plus Bahamas.

Dozens of spectators gathered at the Rain Forest Theatre in the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino last weekend to witness the event. The crowd watched as ten hopefuls between the ages of 14 and 18 took to the stage to prove that full-figured teenagers have what it takes to make a difference.

Pageant president Ms McDonald and her team of experts including choreographer TJ Stubbs and set designer Damian Miller of DMC Bahamas said they wanted to create an environment that was not only beautiful and entertaining, but also inspirational.

The contestants, who were named after gemstones for the duration of the pageant, opened the highly energised event with a dance routine that had the audience going wild.

Performances

Following the opening number, a string of performers entertained the crowd throughout the night, including Juice Unit, local dancer KeKe, Bahamian Idol Mario Demeritte and BTC's star maker runner-up Jonathan Farrington who sang two inspirational songs.

The classes the young ladies attended in their months of preparation proved to be successful, as the fitness segment of the show presented bodies that although voluptuous, were toned and very attractive. This segment was won by the new queen.

The ladies, adorned in evening gowns sponsored by local designers such as Jaspher Knowles and Cedric Bernard, elicited "oohs" and "ahs" from audience members.

Following this segment, the girls appeared nervously on the stage and the top six finalists were called.

Next on the schedule were the on-stage interviews, in which the girls chose random questions to answer. This segment gave them a chance to show off their intelligence.

And although all of the ladies were winners that night, only one contestant would walk away with the title of Miss Teen Plus Bahamas.

Cliffanique Stuart was the fifth runner-up; Robyn Wright was fourth runner-up; Genovia Hepburn was named third runner-up; Stekeia Johnson was the second runner-up; Jazmine Rahming was the first runner-up, and Jacklyn Frazer was named Miss Teen Plus Bahamas 2010.

The 17-year-old Faith Temple Christian Academy graduate also took home first place awards in the categories of poise and presentation, Miss Intellect, fitness, and spokesmodel.

She was also awarded a $8,000 scholarship, a laptop computer, digital camera and a free spa treatment and much more.

Additionally Robyn Wright received the award for best evening gown, Stekeia Johnson captured titles for Program Appreciation, Miss Popularity, and the float parade. Cliff.anique Stuart took home the award for talent and commercial, and Sinobi Rahming received the award for Miss Photogenic.

The night was hosted by Shenique Miller and Kedar Clark.