From left to right: Miss World BVI franchise holder, Mr Damion Grange; Owner and Manager of Bamboushay, Mr Eldred Williams, Miss World BVI 2013, Ms Kirtis Kassandra Malone and BVI Tourist Board representative, Mr Kevis Hughes. Photo: VINO

Delta Petroleum's Regional General Manager Mr Bevis A. Sylvester announced the first of what will now be an annual platinum support for the Miss World BVI. Yesterday, August 30, 2013 he presented Ms Malone with a cheque to assist with her travel expenses to Indonesia. Photo: VINO

The vase is a unique collector's piece designed originally for an owner of one of the [British] Virgin Islands' private islands and was selected by Miss World BVI Kirtis K. Malone. It would be auctioned off during one of the Pageant's activities in Indonesia to raise money for charity. Photo: VINO

Tomorrow September 1, 2013 Miss World BVI Kirtis Malone starts her physical journey to Indonesia for the prestigious world pageant. Photo: VINO

The VI beauty will also be travelling with the confidence that the territory is wishing her to do well and represent with pride. Even corporate VI has shown its support, most recently Delta Petroleum and Bamboushay.

On Friday August 30, 2013 the two entities joined others to add strength to Malone's already strong support network when they made a presentation.

Delta Petroleum, which got on board with the Miss World Pageant for the first time did so as a platinum sponsor and presented Malone with an undisclosed sum of cash. According to Regional General Manager Mr Bevis A. Sylvester, the proposal presented was very attractive to ensure great returns for his company. 

“This is going to be annual from now and we see the potentials and have every confidence that the BVI Delegate has what it takes to represent the BVI well. We are now a platinum sponsor and we want Ms Malone to know that she has what it takes to do us all proud and our prayers and support are with her,” said Mr Sylvester.

Bamboushay, which is well known in the VI and around the world for producing some of the finest artisans, donated towards making Ms Malone’s participation in a charity drive possible and one that has the possibility to pull a strong bid. This will be held in Indonesia, host country for the Miss World finals. “This initiative is in line with the Organization's Beauty with a Purpose Programme. Therefore, funds raised will be used to assist/support the less fortunate, especially children charities, around the world,” explained franchise holder for the Miss World BVI, Mr Damion Grange.  

Mr Grange said the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) and the VI community is in full support of the initiative. “This piece is going to be all over the world and people from all over the world is going to see it and the person who owns it will be a lucky person to have such a piece of treasure,” he noted.

The BVI Tourist Board, through Mr Kevis Hughes and partners of Bamboushay in the persons of Mr Eldred Williams and Mr David D. Archer, guided the potential Miss World 2013 through the show room to select a piece of her choice and she selected a very crafty Marine Vase. “It just stood out, that is a beautiful collection that can get a very good bid because it’s a rare and very unique piece that most definitely will sell the BVI,” said Ms Malone.

The vase is a unique collector's piece designed originally for an owner of one of the British Virgin Islands' private islands. The piece which is reflective of the deep ocean and corals can also be seen in the Office of  the Premier of the Virgin Islands. “Bamboushay is a locally owned business dedicated to promoting art and culture in the Virgin Islands.
Bamboushay also promotes art, history, music and culture in its Bamboushay Lounge setting. Experience the raw culture of arts through Bamboushay Pottery and the social elements through Bamboushay Lounge," said Mr Archer.
Owner and General Manager of Bamboushay, Mr Williams said the piece has great value and has only about three others of its kind to have ever been produced.

According to Mr Hughes, the BVITB selected Bamboushay as it is a partner to the BVI VIP programme. “In making sure that we capture the entirety and opportunity for this particular pageant. We wanted to reach out to them first as this is something that is locally made and handcrafted that Bamboushay has taken out of their one-of-a-kind pieces.” Said Mr Huges said. 

The 63rd Annual Miss World Pageant will be held in Sentul, Indonesia on September 28, 2013 and is expected to field representatives from more than 130 countries.