Rochelle Minors crowned Miss Bermuda (Update 3)

MONDAY, JULY 9, 10AM UPDATE: Rochelle Minors has been crowned Miss Bermuda 2012.

The fashion design student and Berkeley Institute graduate won over judges last night and beat out seven other hopefuls for the crown.

She will compete in China at the Miss World Pageant next month.

Wearing a stunning teal dress with jewels around her neck and dangling from her ears, the former Miss Sandys was overcome with emotion when her name was called as the winner over Miss Pembroke Chelsey Furtado just after 10pm last night.

The Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre at the Fairmont Southampton erupted in applause and many patrons rose to their feet to congratulate the new Miss Bermuda.

Speaking after being crowned, the 22-year-old said: “I’m in absolute shock.

“I have to say I have to give God all the glory.

“I’m amazed.”

She continued: “I’m very proud and I am looking forward to representing Bermuda at the Miss World Pageant.”

Asked if she had any inclination she would win, Ms Minors said: “I had no clue whatsoever that I would win.

“I was convinced Miss Pembroke would win.

“I was telling her I love her then they called my name.”

As for the Miss World competition, the winner said: “I am looking forward to getting Bermuda out there.

“Showing the world what Bermuda is about and where we are.

“Showing the world our beautiful island.”

Miss Minors is studying fashion design at the University for the Creative Arts in Rochester, England.

She has modelled on the local scene since she was 14 and is a Vidal Sassoon model in the UK.

Rounding out the top five were Miss Devonshire Lene Hypolite as second runner up, Miss Smith’s Dwanae Simons as third runner up and Miss Warwick Deshona Perinchief as fourth runner up.

The other three contestants were Miss Southampton Crystal Lyn, Miss Hamilton Parish Dashunte Furbert and Miss St George’s Shannon Ingram.

The hosts for the event were Power Girl Patrina O’Connor Paynter and Nadanja Bailey. Both were dressed in their finest and even had a costume change.

The judges were Kristy “Miss Thang” Burgess, Glenn Jones, Terry Smith, Sofia Cannonier and Carlita Joseph-Cook.

The contestants first came to the stage in glittery sparkling dresses and danced an opening number to an upbeat, Caribbean soundtrack.

Dancers from United Dance Productions followed.

The ladies then changed into their swimsuits for the swimsuit portion. Evening wear followed and men of the Bermuda Regiment escorted the contestants.

Other entertainment included 16-year-old rapper Jelani and signers Devaune Ratteray and Sia Spence.