The Tribune

THE Miss Bahamas Organisation and Atlantis Paradise Island have teamed up in an effort to produce a world-class event under the title sponsorship of the mega resort.

Under the theme “The Phoenix”, the 2012 Double Crown Miss Bahamas beauty pageant will now be staged as an official Atlantis event.

Executives promise that on July 29, patrons attending the pageant will be treated to an unforgettable, first class production.

From the staging, to the latest technology in lighting and sound, to seating capacity, to the overall experience, the 2012 Miss Bahamas pageant will have a new look and feel as the pageant is now under the management of the Atlantis Paradise Island resort.

Atlantis, known for producing spectacular shows featuring some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, will now produce and manage the finale of the national beauty pageant, introducing a totally new look and design to the competition.

It is anticipated that this new partnership will elevate the event to a much higher standard both in terms of the level of the production and its national prominence.

The partnership with Atlantis couldn’t have come at a better time, MBO executives say.

“We are thrilled to be returning to the Atlantis Resort again, but this time as a full-fledged partner,” said MBO president Michelle Malcolm. “After facing such a difficult year last year, we just felt that we were on the verge of a rebirth – and thus the theme, The Phoenix.

“And now here we are announcing this partnership with Atlantis which is truly a new beginning for us on so many levels.”

Atlantis senior vice president of special events and entertainment Michele Wiltshire noted that by sponsoring the event, Atlantis is helping to thrust the pageant to a truly national level.

She encouraged Bahamians everywhere to come out and be a part of the event.

“There are 1,500 seats available and we would love to see them filled. These young ladies are representing the entire country, and they really should be supported by everyone.”

The announcement comes as Atlantis prepares to stage “Pageant Weekend” at the end of July, at which time the resort will host both the Miss Teen USA and Miss Bahamas competitions.

The 51 contestants in Miss Teen USA will take to the stage beginning Friday, July 27, for the preliminary show, followed by the actual crowning of Miss Teen USA on Saturday July 28.

On Sunday, July 29, 14 contestants will take to the stage to compete for the coveted Crowns of Miss Universe Bahamas 2012 and Miss World Bahamas 2013.

This will be the third year that Atlantis has hosted the Miss Bahamas pageant – official preliminary to the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants – and the fifth consecutive year that the Miss Teen USA competition has been held at the property.

In previous years, the Miss Bahamas pageant was held in the Atlantis Theatre which offered limited seating. With the move to the Grand Ballroom for this year’s pageant, seating capacity has tripled. Prices range from $100 for VIP seating, to $50 for Deluxe and $25 Preferred.

It is hoped that the wider range of prices will allow more Bahamians and visitors to enjoy the pageant.

Atlantis is also making attendance easier for those who live outside of the country, on other islands, or simply wish to stay at the resort.

The following rates are being offered to persons wishing to stay at Atlantis during the weekend of July 26-30:

• Beach Tower $169 per night

• Coral Towers $189 per night

• Royal Towers $209 per night

Two titleholders will be selected at the pageant. The winner of the Miss Universe Bahamas title will go on to compete in this year’s Miss Universe pageant while the winner of the Miss World Bahamas title will compete in next year’s Miss World pageant.

To win one of the coveted titles, each contestant will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Last year’s titles were won by Sasha Joyce for Miss World and Anastagia Pierre for Miss Universe.