Sharie’s participation in doubt for Miss Universe competition
In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, the pageant queen revealed details of unfair and unprofessional treatment allegedly met out by the Miss BVI Committee responsible for ensuring her preparation for the pageant, which is just a few short weeks away.
Sharie, 22, won the prestigious Miss BVI title in August 2012 before going on to represent the Virgin Islands in the Miss Caribbean World and Miss Carival pageants.
The Miss Universe contestant, who passionately expressed her overwhelming desire to represent her country with true pride and excellence in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, further explained that in order for her to perform at her best and attain the maximum, she must be effectively prepared ahead of the competition.
Elaborating on her displeasure over the alleged lack of communication, unpreparedness and uncertainty that exists in the Miss BVI Committee, Sharie informed this news site that with only two weeks remaining before she is expected to embark on the trip to Russia, she is yet to receive confirmation on very important details such as confirmed ticket information and funding of attire for segments and wardrobe needed as outlined by the Miss Universe Organization.
This has placed her in the unfortunate and embarrassing position of being unable to submit key information to the Miss Universe Organization that has been requested on several occasions, since funding has still not been provided to meet these demands.
Frustration builds after being ignored
Miss BVI 2012 further stated that she has contacted the committee many times about the issues concerning preparations for the upcoming trip, but she stated in no uncertain terms that she has been ignored by the committee.
After several months of frustrating and unproductive conversations with stakeholders, Sharie expressed that she finally resorted to sending an email to all stakeholders (Chairperson of Miss BVI Pageant Committee, Chairperson of VIF&FC, Deputy Director for Culture, Director for Culture and Education Minister) on Friday, October 4, 2013
Disappointingly, to this date, Sharie said she has not received any acknowledgment of receipt or satisfactory feedback. To this, she feels extremely disrespected and at her wits end, as there is still no solution to this unfortunate situation.
Appeals for alternative funding
The frustrated queen also humbly expressed, "I understand the economic hardships that we are currently facing. This is why I have continuously sought permission from the beginning to be able to organize fundraisers so that the cost absorbed by the committee and government could be lessened." She further explained how unfortunate it was that for reasons unknown to her this offer was rejected by the committee and so she was unable to do fundraisers to help defray costs.
According to Sharie, there are absolutely no words that can effectively express how disappointed she feels in the fact that she is not being granted the support that she needs to represent her country well.
She further noted, “This level of uncertainty is not only frustrating but it personally brings into question my ability to execute my duties as expected by myself, my country and the Miss Universe Organization.”
Sharie reflected on the hard work she put in to attain the Miss BVI title, which she described as a prize in itself, and how appalled she is by the alleged unprofessional, nonchalant treatment she is receiving from the committee that is responsible for thoroughly preparing her for the world stage.
To date, she has allegedly still not received any official word from the Miss BVI Committee pertaining to the specifics of the trip.
Calls to Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee, Mr Marvin 'MB' Blyden were unsuccessful up to post time while Chairperson of the Miss BVI Pageant Committee Ms Alesia Hamm said she had no comment to offer. When contacted by the news site, Director for Culture, Mrs Luce Hodge-Smith, said she was aware of the situation and added that Chairman of the Festival & Fairs Committee (Mr Blyden) is working on getting the requested funds.
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44 Responses to “Sharie’s participation in doubt for Miss Universe competition”
Once again Mr Walwyn please get a real advisor and not from Jamaica or Guyana!
The Miss BVI committee should be ashamed of themselves!!! I get a thrill hearing and knowing that our queen is among the Miss Universe contestants but just sending her and not preparing her properly is not only unfair to her but unfair to the tax payers of the BVI. This in my opinion is the main reason we continue to do badly at this international pageant. Sharie you need to go!! Our representative last year the Hyndman young lady ...... Sharie, ask her how she did it!!! The committee needs new people, new ideas, and a new way of conducting business!!