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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. Photo: provided
A huge cloud of uncertainty hangs over the participation of Miss BVI 2012, Sharie B. Y. de Castro, at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant slated to be held in Moscow, Russia early next month. Photo: VINO/File
A huge cloud of uncertainty hangs over the participation of Miss BVI 2012, Sharie B. Y. de Castro, at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant slated to be held in Moscow, Russia early next month. Photo: VINO/File
Chairman of the VI Festival & Fairs Committee, Mr Marvin 'MB' Blyden could not be reached for comment up to post time. Photo: VINO/File
Chairman of the VI Festival & Fairs Committee, Mr Marvin 'MB' Blyden could not be reached for comment up to post time. Photo: VINO/File
Director for Culture, Mrs Luce Hodge-Smith, promised to return a call to this news site requesting comment on the situation. Photo: VINO
Director for Culture, Mrs Luce Hodge-Smith, promised to return a call to this news site requesting comment on the situation. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A huge cloud of uncertainty hangs over the participation of Miss BVI 2012, Sharie B. Y. de Castro, at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant slated to be held in Moscow, Russia early next month.

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.

44 Responses to “Sharie’s participation in doubt for Miss Universe competition”

  • Concern 1 (08/10/2013, 08:54) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sharie my advise to you in the meantime laison with Ms Malone and get some necessary tips in the meantime. when we working together we achieve a lot . she has the most recent experience of Being Miss world Bvi . so work with her and others who may have that experience. On your return do the same to some one. some people dont and this is where most of the problems start too. I had similar experience in a cultural exchange as the person before didnt prepare me much at all.S o then to you all the best I will be rooting for you
    • What She Really Needs (08/10/2013, 09:21) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Concern1, while your suggestion is a good one, Sharie herself is a veteran Queen now, and it sounds as though she needs resources (ie. ticket, cultural costume, evening wear, and whatever else required to hit the runway properly representing the BVI) rather than assistance from Miss Malone. Not that Miss Malone can't offer some advice, but I think that is the least of her worries according to what the article seems to be saying. At any rate, we are routing for you Sharie and hope that you do get to represent the BVI at the pageant. Prepare yourself mentally, spiritually and physically and we will pray that the rest falls into place. I guess Miss Chichester has this and other crap to look forward to.....
  • Fan (08/10/2013, 09:03) Like (7) Dislike (17) Reply
    the NDP must go!!!
  • ooooo (08/10/2013, 09:15) Like (10) Dislike (15) Reply
    ndp is bad for business
  • Annoyed (08/10/2013, 09:18) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
    Girl don't go any place to represent them! They too bad minded
  • Biggs (08/10/2013, 09:32) Like (12) Dislike (12) Reply
    Seems like everything in the Ministry of education under Myron gone to hell in a hand basket...So said how they treating our former Queen!!!
  • kayunique (08/10/2013, 09:50) Like (35) Dislike (0) Reply
    If I were in her shoes. I wouldn't go any where. 2 weeks is not enough to get ready for a pageant.
  • Just my 2 cents (08/10/2013, 09:59) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Miss BVI committee and VIFC needs to go.
  • tretretrete (08/10/2013, 10:10) Like (16) Dislike (6) Reply
    This seems personal what they are doing to this young lady, but they will get the speech writer to say no money dey…Myron is a failure the 100G dinner could have paid for this child to go to represent the BVI
    • teach (08/10/2013, 17:56) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      teachers deserved that 100g dinner
      • rewrsdffds (08/10/2013, 19:12) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        Teachers deserve recognition but this 100G was way out of line. A dinner with awards could have been kept for lesser amounts -factual.
  • Observer (08/10/2013, 10:11) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    Seems like this is unprofessional service to the highest degree. At least they can acknowledge her letter and tell her something.
  • .... (08/10/2013, 10:18) Like (8) Dislike (15) Reply
    They were probably planning to send Malone to the Miss Universe instead of Sharie and just didn't want to tell De Castro.
    • MissWorldBVICommittee (08/10/2013, 10:35) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
      Please note that Miss World BVI cannot represent the territory at Miss Universe as this is a completely different franchise.
  • pj (08/10/2013, 10:46) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Girl stay where you at. Not ignoring your intelligence but these ain't going to give you the time of the day. Trust me
  • facts man (08/10/2013, 11:20) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    i told you all from long they do not like the indiginious people of the BVI
    • oo (08/10/2013, 15:02) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      how d hell a decastro becomes indeginous, they from portugal, dam it.
    • same old (08/10/2013, 21:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Make up you all mind I thought is the non-indeginous people were the hated ones....so like to justify things to suit ayou
  • Hands of Zeus (08/10/2013, 11:24) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    And if you don't know anything about Russia black people is like aliens to them. Worst if you aint atleast attractive KGB arresting you and swooping you to an undisclosed location for interrogation like..."How you look like that, the charge is impersonating a beauty queen in the 1st degree."
    • Blak (10/10/2013, 10:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      HAAAAA! What is this! I nearly spit out my tea on this CP! I thought I was the only one with jokes!
  • WHATS NEW???? (08/10/2013, 11:28) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    If truth be told, this has been going on for YEARS and if the former Miss BVIs wish to be honest and disclose information about their personal experiences, this would further confirm exactly what Sharie is reporting. Based on that, i'm wondering if its a political matter or just a case of mismanagement by the Miss BVI Committee. I must say that I am very proud of the current queen for her courage in speaking out and sensitizing the public to exactly what is taking place behind the scenes. A recent article was posted in which the reigning MIss BVI alluded to some of the same problems. Its baffling that its so early in her reign and she has not yet received some of her prizes. I believe the government should review this matter because at the end of the day, they are representing us as a country. I for one was a little skeptical in the manner in which the MISS WORLD representative was chosen, BUT, I will be the first to admit that Kirtis Malone surpassed my expectations. It is obvious now that the Miss World BVI Committee knows what they are doing and also care about the young ladies. Just look at the appearance of Miss Malone before, during and after Indonesia! There was an obvious difference, which i think reflects the effective training and preparation of her committee. I already advised my daughter to FORGET about Miss BVI, in my opinion Miss Word appears to be a much better choice based on my observations thus far.
    • @What's New???? (08/10/2013, 15:58) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have to agree with you. Look at the difference in both organizations. Look at how Miss World BVI was marketed. No committee with a Government's backing but they at least treated the young lady with respect and provided her with what was needed to go to Indonesia and represent her country! Miss BVI Committee you should be ashame of how you are treating Miss Universe BVI.
      • trudat (08/10/2013, 16:27) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        yup, and no wrong promises. weird, I saw the ministry of education and culture listed as a sponsor for miss world bvi... i am sure they do the same for miss bvi... so where is the money??? myron check out yo miss bvi comittee!! they dont seem to be taking care of our queens and tax money!
    • Caribbeanflavors (09/10/2013, 08:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Back in the late 80's to mid 90's when Miss World BVI use to take place in the BVI under Terry Donovan's portfolio, it was a prestigous show. I was fortunate to have taken part in Miss World BVI in 1993. It was a wonderful experience and we didn't have problems getting prices at all. The Miss World BVI Show prepared us for outings and the show, we had to go to the gym and lighten our bodies, we had weekly walking lessons, they took us to many places around the BVI, which included the outer islands, and off island building our communication skills and presentation skills. We took part in fashion shows, all of this was to get us prepared for the show. From way back then to now, the Miss BVI Show have been going through the same scenerio of not giving contestants their prices in a timely manner, not preparing the contestants to be representative etc. It is very sad. From last year the Miss BVI Committee knew about the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant, what is the problem, why aren't there any funds and information pertaining to the show. This is very embarrassing and it shows how poor they are at organization.
  • mm (08/10/2013, 11:48) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    It is about time we march on myron the worst minister ever This is bad news.
  • tell it like it is (08/10/2013, 12:18) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    To Shari, you seem to have your head on and is a very mature, responsible young lady. if the ( Miss BVI Committee) government can't, won't, or refuse to help you don't go. I think it is very disrespectful to not even answer or share info knowing that the show is coming up soon. They want you to fail. Leave it where it is. Then let's watch next year and see what happens.
  • Release (08/10/2013, 13:03) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply

    Once again Mr Walwyn please get a real advisor and not from Jamaica or Guyana!

  • Guest (08/10/2013, 13:07) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    All you fools who voted for Myron now see that your vote has not bear fruits.
  • Village Girl (08/10/2013, 13:11) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    This festival committee and Minister are on a very slippery slope over these issues.
  • Already Felt (08/10/2013, 13:14) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the BVI pulls out of the Miss universe Show at this late stage sadly for this beautiful island and its people, we are being made to look backward and uninviting to our commitments.
  • got u back (08/10/2013, 13:49) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply

    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!!

  • george w. touch (08/10/2013, 15:05) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    once you have a BVI passport this is the treatment you get from that gang
  • drake (08/10/2013, 15:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    here we go again more drama with these prizes even Fraser give out his prizes to the basketball league faster than Myron
    • JACK BE STILL (09/10/2013, 03:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      the people need NOW to challenge the out come of the last elections.

    • trrefdrfds (09/10/2013, 03:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Let’s put it this way, it would have made a big difference to send her to the show as this is the closest we will get to getting a Miss Universe!!!!
  • Love (08/10/2013, 20:09) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is not about Sharie and this is not about Alesia Hamm and is not about MB. This is about love. Over and over you put people in charge of Miss BVI who have no love for the contestants, the Queen or the pageant. If these people that the Ministers keep appoint we're to care, love and respect the contestants and the Queen, the former queens would tell a different story. Right now,they all tell the same miserable story.
  • text (09/10/2013, 03:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    A by-election is now certain for Myron seat!!!!
  • Family Love (09/10/2013, 10:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    NONE OF WEAPONS THAT ARE FORMED WILL PROSPER!!!!!! GOD is a GOD who sits high but he looks low and when you are a child of God he'll always open doors and the doors that he opens man will NEVER be able to shut!!!!!!!! Cuz continue being the God fearing, humble, sweet and dedicated woman that you are as God continues to take you to levels and dimensions man cannot... #FAMILYLUV
  • Sharie #1 Fan (09/10/2013, 18:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    MB don't know what he doing. They in committee playing with the government and people money. Sharie you have reigned SUPREME so far. Don't let them bring you down. God will provide a way. Too much favoritism and friendship in the Government and all these committees......
  • Voters (11/10/2013, 14:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    First order of business: Get rid of Myron and MB!


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