She did not win the Miss World 2013 crown but there is no doubt that Miss World BVI Kirtis K. Malone has made an indelible impression in the hearts and memories of thousands around the world, especially with her rendition of the song ‘Hallelujah’. Photo: Facebook

Miss Philippines, Megan Young won the 2013 Miss World pageant in Indonesia ahead of Miss France and Miss Ghana. Photo: AP

Heavily armed police patrolled the event in southern Bali. The pageant was moved to Bali from the capital, Jakarta, because of protests from hardline Muslim groups. Photo: AP

New Miss World, Megan Young from the Philippines, is crowned by outgoing Miss World, Yu Wenxia, during the Miss World 2013 finals in Nusa Dua, in Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Sept. 28, 2013. Looking on are first runner up Marine Lorphelin (L) of France and second runner up Carranzar Naa Okailey (R) from Ghana. (AFP)

The Virgin Islands' Kirtis Kassandra Malone, who did very well leading up to the pageant and may have been confident of securing a top 10 position, did not advance but will surely return home with quite a rewarding experience from the pageant that saw her competing against 126 other contestants. Photo: Provided

Miss World BVI, Kirtis K. Malone was a member of the ‘Yellow’ team that whipped three other teams to win the Sport Challenge. Photo: missworld.com

Miss Netherlands, Jacqueline Steenbeek was named the Sports Champion. Photo: missworld.com

The coveted title was won by Miss Philippines, Megan Young when the pageant was held in Indonesia on Saturday September 28, 2013. Miss France, Marine Lorphelin, came second in the contest and Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter, took third place.

Franchise holder of the Miss World BVI pageant, Mr Damion C. Grange said Ms Malone is now known to the world as “Miss BVI Hallelujah”.

According to Mr Grange, Ms Malone found the response to her performance for the talent segment “unbelievable” and the entire experience “amazing”.

“Wow... What a journey! Miss World 2013 has come to an end! It was an amazing one! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Morley and the Miss World Organization for such a wonderful experience. Congratulations to the gorgeous Meagan Young Miss World 2013! I pledge my support towards your journey love! To all the girls you are all winners and stars so remember to keep shinning! I can't forget my sponsors, friends, family and supporters back home, big thank you,” wrote Ms Malone on her Facebook page.

Mr Grange said the reviews on Ms Malone’s performance were really good. “The people loved her!  In fact, Julia Morley - Head of the Miss World Organization told me she was really impressed with Miss BVI’s participation. I am extremely proud of her and her solid representation of BVI beauty, brains and talent!  She did a remarkable job at promoting the culture and people of the territory.  I'm just overwhelmed with pride,” he told Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview.

The local beauty Malone was a keen contestant in the Miss World pageant this year as she came in at number four (4) in the Talent segment and  was among the top ten for the ‘People’s Choice’ competition. She said she is eager to return home to share her experience and gratitude in person to her fellow VIslanders and supporters.

See previous article posted September 28, 2013

Miss Philippines Megan Young is Miss World 2013

Miss Philippines, Megan Young has won the 2013 Miss World pageant in Indonesia.

The Virgin Islands' Kirtis Kassandra Malone, who did very well leading up to the pageant and may have been confident of securing a top 10 position, did not advance but will surely return home with quite a rewarding experience from the pageant that saw her competing against 126 other contestants.

Meanwhile, th pageant was moved to Bali from the capital, Jakarta, because of protests from hardline Muslim groups.

Security for Saturday's, September 28, 2013 event was high in Bali, a resort island with a majority Hindu population, but no further demonstrations were reported.

Miss France, Marine Lorphelin, came second in the contest and Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter, took third place.

The Miss World 2013 pageant was broadcast in 180 countries.