Contestants of the 2015 Miss BVI World pageant banded together as they sailed to raise funds for differently able children. Photo: Provided

The day at sea was organised with the intention of maintaining the camaraderie among the girls who participated in the 2015 Miss World BVI Pageant as well as to enjoy the pleasures of the islands and raise awareness/funds for special needs children in the community. Photo: Provided

Former Miss World BVI Kirtis K. Malone also joined in the cause. Photo: Provided

Sisterhood remains strong as together the Miss World BVI contestants assist Miss World BVI Sasha O. E. Wintz achieve her Beauty with a Purpose project. Photo: Provided

In another activity, Ms Sasha O. E. Wintz will be taking her new family members, children affected by Downs Syndrome, bowling at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom. Photo: Provided

The sisterly union was evident on St Ursula’s Day, Monday October 19, 2015 when the contestants, committee members, chaperones and a few others set sail around the territory. “The day at sea was organised with the intention of maintaining the camaraderie among the girls who participated in the 2015 pageant, enjoy the pleasures of the islands and raise awareness/funds for special needs children in the community,” said Mr Damion C. Grange, Miss World BVI franchise holder.

Aboard the yacht ‘Domino ll’, compliments of The Moorings, the queen and the other contestants, Bryana Robles, Yadali Thomas and Mindy Paul set sail around the Virgin Islands.

Ms Wintz expressed that she was deeply moved to see words coming into action as they had committed to being a sisterhood. “I am deeply touched that my Miss World BVI sisters were more than happy to assist me with my platform initiative. This is proof that we are all ambassadors of the Virgin Islands.”

The ‘Sail For a Cause’ kicks off a series of initiatives planned to raise awareness and funds for the differently abled, with a specific focus on Downs Syndrome. In addition to a welcomed donation from one guest, the group raised close to $500.00 which will go towards the purchase of material and books for the differently abled, according to Ms Wintz.

The MWBVI committee also expressed thanks to philanthropic partners LIME, Caribbean Insurers Ltd, Ministry of Education, UMI, BVI Tourist Board, Premier’s Office, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines, Hon Deloris Christopher, Hazem’s, the Moorings and all other supporting sponsors for their commitment to the Beauty With A Purpose Programme.

The committee further stated that they all have an obligation to contribute, in some small way, to the continued success of the VI Community, and in so doing help to make lives a little better, especially for those who are most in need of help. They emphasised their allegiance to the wording on the caps sported by the group “Together we can make a difference.”

In another activity, Ms Wintz will be taking her new family members, children affected by Downs Syndrome, bowling at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom where she said they would be given the opportunity to be out to show the community and the world that they are not disabled but rather they just do things differently.

In her invitation to those persons she said, “You are part of my ‘World and I will continue to embrace you with love, respect and compassion. Therefore, I am inviting you to an afternoon of bowling.”