Anastagia Pierre crowned Miss Bahamas Universe while Sasha Joyce earns Miss World Bahamas title -- PAGEANT FANATIC - Your Pageant Fanatic Official Message Board

Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant 2011's five finalists from left to right are: Sasha Joyce, Shaire Delva, Anastagia Pierre, Daronique Young and Kristy Evans. Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Nassau, Bahamas -- The Miss Bahamas 2011 Pageant was held at the Atlantis Theatre on Paradise Island on Sunday, May 1st. The seats in the Theatre were almost filled to capacity and one could feel the energy and excitement. Cowbells, whistles, shouting, waving of banners; and signs or cheerleader poms poms were part of the hurrah for the pageant's contestants and there was a variety of different emotions displayed from the audience.

The evening's performance was opened with a dance number to coincide with the theme of this year's beauty pageant, "All that jazz" and quickly moved into the bathing suit and evening gown programmes. Co-hosts, Jerome Sawyer and Nakeria Simms-Symonette graced the stage with charm and the judges had their work cut out for them, as the contestants had many strong qualities.

Michelle Malcom, president of the Miss Bahamas Organization said that "It was a tough competition and that not everyone will be happy with the results, but it was a good show and I am especially proud of Sasha who had the biggest transformation out of all the girls. Sasha, is a testament to what our organization stands for, and she came a long way."

Jerome Sawyer said that this was their 6th year and this particular year has proved to have had the greatest support.

The five runner ups in no particular order were: Kristy Evans - Miss Abaco, Daronique Young - Miss Hershey's Chocolate, Anastagia Pierre - Miss UPX Redline, S asha Joyce - Miss Lucky's Restaurant and Sharie Delva - Miss Automall.

The top 3 Winners were:

Miss Bahamas Universe - Anastagia Pierre - Miss UPX Redline - Age 22 5"10"

Miss World Bahamas - Sasha Joyce - Miss Lucky's Restaurant - Age 23 5"9"

Third Runner up - Sharie Delva - Miss Automall - Age 24 6"1"

Last year's Queen, Braneka Bassett reminded this year's winners to remember that they are "Miss Bahamas first and a great ambassador for our country." That they should soak up every opportunity and that they have a great team and support system behind them, and to enjoy what they do. Braneka said that her next step is to pursue an acting career in Hollywood, California.

More information on the winners and various prizes will be forthcoming from the Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant Organization.

http://2010.missbahamas.net/

Winner Anastagia Pierre finally wins her pageant title. She said this year she was more confident and let her true self shine Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Winner Anastagia Pierre finally wins her pageant title. She said this year she was more confident and let her true self shine Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Anastagia cheers Shasha Joyce's win Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Anastagia cheers Shasha Joyce's win Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Michelle Malcolm and the former Miss Bahamas, 2011, Braneka Basset pose with winners of the 2011 Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant on May 1st, 2011, Atlantis Theatre. Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry