The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - Kristie Farah was crowned Miss Grand Bahama 2012 on Sunday evening at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre.

The 18-year-old beauty queen competed against six other contestants for the title, winning three of eight individual pageant categories - Top Model, Best Costume and the Facebook People's Choice Award.

Farah, Miss Bella Rose, displayed poise, confidence, and personality throughout the evening.

This year's pageant was held under the theme, Mystical Wonders of Grand Bahama. It was a bittersweet moment for Keriann Stuart, the outgoing queen, as she took her final walk before passing the title and crown to Farah.

Andria Miller, Miss Pier One Restaurant, was the first runner-up; and Cristin Barrow, Miss Alvernia Foods Cat Island, was the second runner-up.

The panel of judges included head judge Angelita Sturrup, Vanessa Ferguson, Barrington Sinclair, Rakhee Laberge, Ewa Tylecka Mellor and Rengin Johnson.

There were also individual category awards.

Monet Johnson, sponsored by Sawyers Fresh Market, won the Miss Friendship Award; and Abilene Jones, sponsored by Eneliba, was winner of the Popularity Award.

The Spokes Model Award went to Cristin Barrow, sponsored by Alvernia Foods Cat Island. Gabrielle Wong, sponsored by Turning Bar, won the Fitness and Photogenic Awards. The Talent Award went to Carlene Johnson, sponsored by Ocean Reef.

For the first time this year, the public was able to cast votes for their favourite contestant on the Miss Grand Bahama Facebook page for the People's Choice Award.

Kristie Farah captured the People's Choice award, in addition to the Best Costume and Top Model Awards.

After the presentation of the awards, two contestants were eliminated, leaving the five remaining contestants: Gabrielle Wong, Andria Miller, Cristin Barrow, Carlene Johnson, and Kristie Farah.

The five women presented their platform and took to the stage in their swimsuits and evening gowns.

The judges then selected the top three. They were: Andria Miller (Pier One Restaurant), Kristie Farah (Bella Rose) and Cristin Barrow (Alvernia Foods Cat Island).

After the question and answer segment, the audience erupted with applause when Kristie Farah was announced this year's winner.

Captions: All photos by Derek Carroll.

BEST COSTUME

Kristie Farah is seen walking the runway in her Bahama Mama costume made of straw and Androsia print. (Photo: Derek Carroll)

Gabrielle Wong won two individual awards - Most Photogenic and Fitness Award. Outgoing Queen Keriann Stuart is presenting Wong with the photogenic award.

COSTUME DISPLAY

The contestants are seen displaying their costumes on Sunday. They depicted a flamingo, straw doll, and junkanoo doll.

The top five contestants are seen in their swimsuits designed by local designer Terry Smith of Transition Clothing. From left are: Gabrielle Wong, Cristin Barrow, Andria Miller, Carlene Johnson, and Kristie Farah.

THE QUEEN AND RUNNERS UP

Miss Grand Bahama 2012 Kristie Farah is seen with first runner-up Andria Miller (right) and second runner-up Cristin Barrow.

NEW QUEEN Kristie Farah beat six contestants in this year's pageant.

(Photo: Derek Carroll)