Miss World Cayman Islands crowned

After months of intense runway, wardrobe and toastmasters training; tours, media and public appearances; dancing and choreography practice, Caymanian Pilot/Cayman Islands Coast Guard/Sub Lieutenant for the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, Leanni Tibbetts wins the coveted title of Miss World Cayman Islands (MWCI) 2022-2023.

On Saturday, September 24th at a packed Harquail Theatre, the 25 year old George Town native won the crown and title during the 4th edition of the MWCI pageant, besting four other young women who competed. She succeeded Miss World Cayman Islands 2021, Rashana Hydes of West Bay.

“I feel like I haven’t woken up yet. I’m still dreaming. I don’t know when it’s going to hit. I’m still dreaming” Tibbetts said after her win. “It was a very challenging journey for me, for the reason that my background is that of a disciplined person. The whole pageantry was never, ever something I looked at. I always played a lot of sports, I wasn’t really into pageantry or wearing heels. I prefer sneakers. It was very challenging learning how to walk, pose, smiling – there’s an art to pageantry and I have so much respect for it. I had no idea how much went into it, and the development and growth is tremendous. I have to first and foremost thank God, because every single step of the way I prayed and He helped me. Secondly, my family and friends in the CI Cadet Corps who have been my backbone. They helped me in every single element, they have never stopped supporting me and I love them so much.” Leanni said.

Melissa Bridgemohan, 24, of West Bay was named 1st runner- up at the pageant. Latoya Jackson, 21, of Bodden Town won 2nd runner-up. If for any reason Miss World Cayman Islands cannot fulfill her duties, the First Runner-up will take the reigning queen’s place. The second runner-up may also attend events.

Tibbetts, who was contestant #1, sponsored by Maedac Supplies Co Ltd, also walked away with the awards for Miss Photogenic, Beauty with a Purpose, Miss Best in Sports, Miss Best Island Couture, and Miss Best in Interview.

As Miss World Cayman Islands 2022/23, Tibbetts receives the coveted crown, title, and Miss World Cayman Islands 2022 trophy; a $70,000 four year education scholarship from the Cayman Islands Government; a one year gym membership to F45 training; a four month personal training package by Intuitive Coaching; a variety of gift cards, and a diving certification course, sponsored by Ocean Frontiers, Ltd.

The year-long reign of the new Miss World Cayman Islands starts immediately. Leanni’s Beauty with a Purpose is climate change/sustainability. The organization she is working with is Protect Our Future, a group of young leaders who gather with the goal of fighting climate change. During her reign, Tibbetts intends to use her platform to raise awareness campaign on single- use plastics and other environmental issues. Leanni lives by the saying ‘Be the change’. “I am going to continue to be Leanni and be the change I wish to see in the world and that starts with my world, the Cayman Islands, my community, and I cannot wait to continue to give back to my community in any way shape possible.” Tibbetts said. Tibbetts will be representing the Cayman Islands at the International Miss World Pageant. Miss World 2021 Karolina Bielawska Poland will crown her successor.

Other award winners included:

• Miss Multimedia, Angelique Copeland

• Miss Best in Swimwear, Latoya Jackson

• Miss Best in Gown, Latoya Jackson

• Miss Congeniality which was a tie between Latoya Jackson and Deverlee Ramos Bodden.

The 2022 judging panel consisted of Wil Pineau, Chamber CEO; Anita Gough, Owner of Centre Pointe Dance Studio; Patricia Langfitt, First Miss Cayman to attend an International Pageant –Miss World in 1977; Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden, Businesswoman and pageant coach; and Kelsie Woodman-Bodden, Miss World Cayman Islands 2018. Segments and Judging Criteria included:- Sports Segment (10% of final score), Private Interview (25%), Multimedia (5%), Swimwear Segment (10%), Island Couture (10%), Beauty with a Purpose (10%), Evening Gown (10%), and Final Question in Gown (20%).

“We should all be proud of these five young women,” Director of Miss World Cayman Islands and Girl Power Cayman, Ms. Pamela Ebanks-Small noted during her remarks. “They’ve taken a leap of faith, placed themselves under scrutiny, and have grown through this journey, thus becoming better versions of themselves. I know each of them will walk away tonight with incredible memories, deeper relationships, and great lessons. Thank you all for your support of the Miss World Cayman Islands organization. With your help, I am confident, we will achieve our goal in bringing home the Miss World crown to the Cayman Islands. Until then, we will continue to train, mentor and nurture our young women so they become strong, independent and confident leaders of tomorrow.” Ms. Ebanks-Small said.

Minister of Tourism and Transport, the Honorable Kenneth Bryan was in attendance, along with Acting Chief Officer in the Ministry of Education, Lyneth Monteith, who was on hand to present the educational scholarship from the Cayman Islands Government.

The event, emceed by Ruthanna Young and Theresa Cole, featured a moment of silence in honor of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; dance performances from Centre Pointe Dance Studio; a musical dedication by Steel Pannist Olujimi La Pierre in honor of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, rendering Wind Beneath My Wings and the National Anthem; and entertainment by singer, Mr. Rayne Harding.

For highlights of the 2022 Miss World Cayman Islands pageant and latest updates, please follow the MWCI’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media pages. For more information on the 2022 MWCI pageant or if you are interested in becoming a pageant sponsor, please email missworldcayman@gmail.com .