The Tribune

With an explosion of colour and creativity, the 2016 Miss Bahamas contestants celebrated Bahamian history and culture as they participated in the National Dress competition immediately following a float parade throughout the streets of New Providence.

A pirate, Bahama parrot, rake n’ scrape queen and royal pineapple were just some of the themes on display which were presented in an entertaining fashion before the panel of judges and dozens of onlookers in Pompey Square on Saturday.

Receiving top honours in the competition was Miss World Long Island Ashley Hamilton, whose depiction of the “Long Island Breeze” resulted in a very creative costume. Coming in second was Miss World New Providence Andrea Bowleg with her display of a sexy female pirate, “The Lady Maroon”. And rounding out the top three was Miss World Paradise Island Pischia Adderley with her interpretation of “Jewels of Paradise”

Meanwhile Miss World Acklins Zoie Hanna was inspired by the Bahama parrot, while Miss World Bimini Bryneeah Hanna represented the country’s sun, sand and sea.

Miss World Cat Island Rotalya Williams chose to be a rake n’ scrape queen and Miss World Staniel Cay Shanice Burrows National was the Goombay Festival queen.

Miss World Eleuthera Geena Thompson fittingly chose the royal pineapple, while Miss World Exuma Aria Romer went with the sea for the theme of her costume.

The National Dress competition is for a special award and does not count towards the contestants overall scores for advancement.

The Miss Bahamas finale is set for July 24 at the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort. Tickets are available at Airbrush Junkies in the Mall at Marathon, or from any Miss Bahamas contestant.