Beautiful 22-year-old Abigail F. Hyndman has done the Virgin Islands proud having placed 7th among the top ten for the best costume at the Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas on December 19, 2012. Photo: Reuters

Ms Abigail F. Hyndman at the Miss Universe 2012 pageant. Photo:missuniverse.com

Ms Abigail F. Hyndman at the Miss Universe 2012 pageant. Photo:missuniverse.com

Ms Abigail F. Hyndman during the Miss Universe 2012 pageant. Photo:missuniverse.com

Pre-Med student Abigail F. Hyndman was crowned Miss BVI 2011/2012 on the morning of Monday August 1, 2011 and secured the right to represent the Virgin Islands at Miss Universe 2012. Photo: VINO/File

Virgin Islands (VI) representative at the just concluded Miss Universe Pageant, Abigail F. Hyndman, will most definitely be returning home with a high feeling of accomplishment and this can be attributed to her placing #7 in the costume segment of the competition held on the stage of the of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on December 19, 2012.

As the competition got on the way, the flickering lights that reflected through the windows of hundreds of homes of Tortola residents suggested that almost every citizen, tourist or visitor were glued to the television to watch the evening of elegance, which featured 89 smart, courageous and beautiful young women represent their individual homeland.

One could well understand the feelings of disappointment when they did not hear “Making it into the top 16, Miss BVI”, a feeling that was well justified as some VIslanders were confident that Hyndman certainly had what it took for such a placing. However, the mood of disappointment quickly took its exit and an air of excitement immediately replaced, when the top ten costumes were announced. As the announcer reached the #7 and the words “Miss BVI” were uttered the celebration began.

A peek through one’s door even saw a few persons running out into their yards jumping in celebration. A few phone calls to supporters also give testimony of the joy and satisfaction that the ambitious 22 year old had made an indelible impression in the international fashion and pageantry arena. “Yes, Yes at least she got some, yes we are thankful,” said a local resident.

Home coming will definitely be one of pride and joy as hard work, commitment and sacrifice has certainly paid dividends to those who invested their time, money and confidence to ensure the VI was represented at the pageant this year.

Meanwhile, Miss USA Olivia Culpo wowed the world, audience and the judges with her passion, beauty, pride and most of all intelligence to take up the reign as Miss Universe 2012. The first runner up is Miss Philippines. 

The winners of the Miss Universe will embark on a year-long national speaking tour as spokesperson and advocate addressing diverse audiences, increasing awareness and promoting her chosen platform.

Congratulations Miss BVI 2011/2012 Miss Abigail F. Hyndman, the residents of the Virgin Islands are proud of you!  

See previous story posted on December 19, 2012

Beautiful 22-year-old Abigail F. Hyndman has done the Virgin Islands proud having placed 7th among the top ten for the best costume at the Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas tonight, December 19, 2012.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2012 is Miss USA Olivia Colpo. She wowed the world, audience and the judges with her passion, beauty, pride and most of all intelligence to take up the reign from Miss Leila Lopes of Angola.

See further details tomorrow.

See previous story posted on December 19, 2012

Abigail F. Hyndman takes to the stage tonight at Miss Universe 2012

Expectations are high among residents of the Virgin Islands as they await the announcement of the final sixteen (16) who will go on to vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2012.

The territory is represented by its young, ambitious and optimistic beauty, 22 year-old Abigail Hyndman, who worked her way to the pageant having proven herself to be the number one to represent the Territory when she copped the crown as Miss BVI 2011/2012.

Key to the show of support for Hyndman is the official Miss Universe fan vote which was closed on December 18 at 6 P.M.  At this stage the results are only known to the judges but this will be made public tonight at the pageant in Las Vegas.

Miss Universe 2012 is the 61st Miss Universe pageant and will be held tonight December 19, 2012 at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

Leila Lopes from Angola will crown her successor at the end of this event.

89 countries and territories participate in this year's pageant and it will be broadcast live in participants’ countries and territories by NBC, Telemundo and international broadcasters.

According to missuniverse.org, winners of the Miss Universe will go on to "embark on a year-long national speaking tour. As a national spokesperson and advocate addressing diverse audiences, increasing awareness and promoting her chosen platform." This is wonderful work to be doing, and many Miss Universe winners have a platforms dealing with social, environmental, or national issues of great importance. But to make the route to doing such important work involve the objectification and sexualization of young women around the world is a disservice to the intelligent women competing and to everyone tuning in.” the site was quoted as saying.

Virgin Islands News Online joins the rest of the territory in a show of solidarity for our own Abigail Hyndman, who we are confident, has what it takes to be among the high flyers of this year’s contest.