THE 13 contestants for the titles of Miss World Bahamas and Miss Universe Bahamas were revealed at the launch of the 2014 Miss Bahamas event last night at the John Watling’s Distillery, Nassau.

Also confirmed was American actress, singer and philanthropist, Zuri McDaniels, as the first of the celebrity judges for the Miss Bahamas pageant on August 3 at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

The Miss Universe Bahamas contestants hoping to take the crown from 2013 title winner, Lexi Wilson, are Toni Bethel representing Eleuthera, Tomacina Culmer (Grand Bahama), Ominique Burrows (Long Island), Rokara Hepburn (New Providence), Gabrielle Wong (Ocean Cay) and Diandra Brown (Paradise Island). 

The Miss World Bahamas entrants looking to succeed last year’s queen, De’Andra Bannister, are Pylara Russell representing Andros, Cymphony Lockhart (Bimini), Krishanna Culmer (Eleuthera), Rosetta Cartwright (Grand Bahama), Shanae Strachan (New Providence), Chantel O’Brian (Ocean Cay) and Rontre Rolle (Paradise Island). 

The contestants were chosen by designated district directors, who were responsible for their respective islands. They will compete in preliminary events in the next two weeks, including the top model competition on Friday, the Miss World Bahamas national dress and Miss Universe Bahamas costume competitions on Saturday, the Miss Bahamas swimsuit competition on Sunday and the Miss Bahamas evening gown and talent competitions on August 1. 

Read a full report on the contestants in Arts & Entertainments on Wednesday.