Pageant Win Takes Unexpected Turn

Tiffany Conolly was crowned Miss Cayman Islands Universe among eight other contestants at a star studded event held at the Westin Casuarina in Grand Cayman on Saturday, 6th August, after months of preparation and dedication.

Tiffany is the sister of Anika Conolly, who was also crowned Miss Cayman in 2017, making this the second time that two sisters have reigned as Miss Cayman Islands Universe, respectively.

Chloe Powery-Doxey was awarded First Runner Up and Hayley Grizzel was awarded the Second Runner-Up distinction.

The evening featured many highlights to mark over three decades of the pageant’s existence and the crowning of some of Cayman most bright, talented and charismatic women, who have gone on to represent the British Territory internationally in the Miss Universe Pageant and other areas of social endeavours and professional life.

During the event, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan spoke about the importance of pageantry in developing the young women in the Cayman Islands and noted that events such as Miss Cayman Universe were a part of instilling confidence and empowering the women of the Cayman Islands.

Awards were also bestowed on long-serving members of the Miss Cayman Islands Universe Committee for their service and years of commitment to the women of the Cayman Islands.

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands was this year’s pageant platform and the girls all pledged their support for the organisation’s initiatives, which include the protection of Cayman’s flora and fauna and built heritage.

Other winners on the night included contestant number eight, Angelina Brown, who took home prizes for Most Improved and Miss Personality, while contestant number six, Chloe Powery-Doxey took home the award for Best Legs.

The People’s Choice Award went to Contestant number one, Whitney Foster, who was sponsored by Compass Media.

This year’s event was certainly a celebration to be remembered as the audience was treated to musical performances from Rico Orrette and Stuart Wilson.

The theme song for the winner of the Miss Cayman contest each year, ‘My Caymanian Girl’, was delivered by Mr. Burmon Scott and a moment of silence was observed for the song’s creator, Mr. Papie Connolly, who passed away earlier this year.

A nice touch to the story behind the song was that the Miss Cayman winner from 1974, who was featured on the cover of the original release, was actually one of the judges for this year’s pageant.

The winner of this year’s Miss Cayman Islands Universe Pageant, Tiffany Conolly was also awarded Best Smile, Best Gown and Miss Photogenic.

Though her win has not been all celebratory, as it has since been revealed that she is facing several criminal charges in court.

The story broke not long after the pageant had wrapped up and has now been picked up by several international news outlets, which may cast somewhat of a cloud over what otherwise was a huge milestone for Ms. Conolly.

A statement has since been issued by the Miss Cayman Island Universe (MCIU) Committee, noting:

“The Miss Cayman Universe Committee (the Committee) has established eligibility requirements and an application process for the contest. At the time of application Ms. Conolly met the requirements and was accepted. Subsequently, additional details as to the pending charges was brought to the attention of the Committee. The Committee did seek counsel with relevant stakeholders including the Franchise holder and the decision to allow Ms. Conolly to proceed was taken after careful consideration.

At this time the Committee is reviewing the facts surrounding this matter, consulting with the relevant stakeholders in order to make the appropriate determination as to how we proceed.”

It remains to be seen whether the newly crowned Miss Cayman Islands Universe will be able to fulfill her international obligations but so far it seems the Committee is standing by her side and giving her their support.