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Monday, July 6, 2009

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Miss Universe contestants to get crash course in things Bahamian By Chakara Bennett ~ Guardian Summer Intern: It's going to be a crash course in things Bahamian when the contestants in the 2009 Miss Universe pageant arrive in The Bahamas. From a visit to the Ardastra Gardens — which likes to boast that it is the wildest place in town — where they will entertain and interact with children from some of the local children's hostels, to tours of Fort Charlotte and and the Clifton Heritage Site, and a stop at Arawak Cay, the 70-plus beauty queens will get their fill of true Bahamian culture. They will also visit the National Art Gallery, pay a courtesy call on the Governor General, and sip on tea at Government House. Strolling Bay Street is also on the agenda. Taking their activities outside of the capital, the contestants will visit Moriah Harbour Cay and Elizabeth Harbour and Stocking Island in the Exumas, and the fountain of youth and shark lab in Bimini. The nation's second city of Freeport is also getting in on the act, as they host the bevy of beauties to a tour of the Garden of the Groves. Visits to Harbour Island and Treasure Cay, Abaco, are also on the agenda as the contestants take their beauty to the people, after arriving in the country on Saturday, Aug. 1, leading up to the stunning climactic event on Sunday, Aug. 23 when the new Miss Universe will be crowned at Atlantis. "[Miss Universe] is not just about a pageant," said Vernice Walkine, Ministry of Tourism director general. "This is also about showcasing The Bahamas to the world and [taking advantage] of this promotional benefit," she said. Through the various planned activities the contestants will be introduced to foreign and local animals and get a taste of local personality and charm through the youth of the nation. Tours of historic sites will showcase elements of local heritage and efforts of historical preservation. And eating at local spots will give them a real taste of Bahamian cuisine at a place where the locals hang out. From viewing the unique quality, sensuality and creativity of local artwork to attending an illustrious tea party at Government House, these activities are just "the tip of the iceberg" of events lined up for the international guests. And while the country "rolls out the red carpet" for the beauty queens, the Bahamian people won't be neglected. Janet Johnson, Ministry of Tourism in-country communications director said a number of initiatives have been planned for the people to give them an even greater sense of pride in hosting the pageant. She said a number of local competitions will soon be unveiled which will allow local winners special access to several pageant activities and even the major event. These initiatives which include individual events themed king and queen of the universe, universe beauty make-over, builders of the universe and princess of the universe — question-based competitions which locals can participate in via a 100 word essay or a video response. Some of prizes that the winners of these events can expect to receive include a stay at Atlantis and invitations to certain events. Some initiatives, such as the princess of the universe competition, also award a space to the winner in the teen fantasy glam-camp for little girls being put on locally for the first time in association with the Miss Teen USA organization which will also be held in The Bahamas. According to George Markantonis, president of Kerzner International, another activity that locals can look forward to is the international river race. "The contestants will be in tubes with the flag of their country and wet suits that reflect this also. We are thinking of separating the girls into regional groups so that there can be heats. It's expected to be like a NASCAR event. This should create a lot of interest," he said. One of the main events that will allow contestants to mingle with each other, family and locals in one of the last events before they leave will be the coronation ball wat Atlantis the evening of the Miss Universe Pageant.