Published On:Tuesday, August 24, 2010

KELDRA Pinder, a mother of three, became the first ever Mrs Bahamas World when her husband, Philip Pinder, presented her with the crown at the Mrs World Pageant.

THE inaugural coronation event for Mrs Bahamas World, organisers said, was a huge success when it was held at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre on Grand Bahama on Friday, August 13.

Mrs Pinder will be the first woman from the Bahamas to represent her country in the Mrs World Pageant which will take place in Korea in October this year.

The pageant committee, headed by Willamae Deveaux, said they made every effort to put on a fabulous evening of entertainment, fashion and talent.

A tradition of Mrs World is to have the husband crown the queen, and this was the case as Mr Pinder, proud husband and father of their three children, came on stage to do the honours. He was assisted by Patra Albury.

Mrs Bahamas World's platform is cancer awareness and Mrs Pinder spoke passionately about the cause.

The evening was hosted by Karen Ferguson-Bain and Trevor Russell.

Fashion took the forefront as the new Mrs Bahamas and many of the local beauty queens modelled in a hat parade. Beautiful hats and outfits were featured by La Maison De Besh, Betty's Hats, Escante Shoe Outlet, and The Seventeen Shop.

Entertainment during the event was provided by the New Wave Dancers, Stephan Cartwright and the duo of Judith Dawkins and Tawari Rodgers, who performed a skit which exemplified long-term marriage and commitment.

Mrs Turks and Caicos Josephine Connolly and her two children were the event's special guests.

Also on hand to support the new queen was Miss East End Cindy Lewis; Miss Junior Grand Bahama Jasmine Forbes; Miss Talented Grand Bahama Anissa Smith; Little Miss Glitz Dejanell Dixon, and Supermodel of the Bahamas Peandra Knowles

Mrs Pinder thanked her family and supporters by saying, "I am honoured to be the inaugural Mrs Bahamas World. With God's help, I will service Him and my country with diligence and integrity. Your presence here and contributions have helped to make this occasion an extraordinary one, one that will forever be a part of our Bahamian history. With all sincerity and love, thank you!"