The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama's Kenisha Bethel was crowned as an ambassador for the Elite Global Earth Pageant and will travel with the organisation to Las Vegas, Nevada, to join its team there.

Ms Bethel was awarded the title by executives of the pageant franchise, who came to Freeport with more than a dozen of its beauty queens on board the Carnival Ecstasy on Friday for a fun-filled day in Grand Bahama.

Ms Bethel, a guest services representative with the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, had organised the day-trip for the Elite Global Earth Pageant and its 15 beauty queens not knowing that she too would be recognised for her hard work.

According to the ministry, the trip was presented as a gift from the organisation to its reigning queens for their success in the franchise's most recent pageants.

Present to welcome the group on their arrival at Freeport Harbour on August 18 were several local beauty queens, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

After a brief welcome reception, the group was taken on a tour of the island and enjoyed an afternoon on the beach at Manta Ray Beach Club.

In addition to their visit to Grand Bahama, the group came with the intention of crowning Ms Bethel as their newest Elite Global Earth ambassador.

Pageant executives commended Ms Bethel for her hard work, dedication, organisational skills, and warm spirit.

Surprised by the gesture, Ms Bethel said: "For me, I wasn't expecting this, it was a really, really good surprise; they got me good. I enjoy doing what I do and helping people, so I'm grateful that they've recognised me for all the work that I've been doing."

The Elite Global Earth Pageant was created to celebrate the "success a woman has achieved as a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and community advocate." The pageant allows both married and non-married contestants, with or without children. The age group is from 14-70 years old.

Ms Bethel said that she is grateful for the opportunity to work in close collaboration with the organisation. She said she looks forward to "promoting the sisterhood of pageantry, awareness for special causes, and the preservation of our Mother Earth," which is mandated by the Elite Global Earth Pageant.