Walwyn supports merger; lauds pageant leaders

Minister of Culture Myron Walwyn has lauded the two current leaders of pageantry in the British Virgin Islands, adding that he is pleased with the recent merger of the Miss BVI, Miss World, and Miss Universe franchises.

They have merged under the new banner known as MISS BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS PAGEANT.

The merger however has resulted so far in a major controversy, which resulted in Janette Brin suddenly resigning as chairperson of Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant.

In her resignation letter, Brin stated that she thinks the committee should be headed by a Virgin Islander – a comment that some persons thought was directed at her co-chair Damion Grange, who is a Jamaican native living in the BVI for many years.

Since Brin resigned, she has been replaced by Alicia Hamm.

During a press conference regarding the 2017 Emancipation Festival celebration yesterday, Walwyn steered clear of the pageant controversy.

He however thanked Grange and Hamm for their efforts.

“Festival has some great highlights this year, including the grand opportunity that our Miss BVI 2017 will experience. I am pleased that our executive committee and the Miss BVI Sub-Committee saw it fit to merge with the Miss World and Miss Universe franchises for the betterment of the pageant and overall experience of the crowned queen.”

Walwyn continued: “I would like to thank Ms Alicia Hamm – chair of the Miss BVI Committee and the Miss Universe franchise, and I would also like to thank Mr Damion Grange – chair of the Miss World BVI franchise.”

“They and their sub-committees have been working tirelessly to ensure that we have a successful joint pageant and reign of Miss BVI 2017. We anticipate that this relationship will elevate the roles, responsibilities and status of Miss BVI as a territorial ambassador,” added Walwyn.