Day two in Durban

Today we did shots and filmed in our swim suits (that was so fun) and the bathing suits were beautiful. Afterwards we had half an hour to get ready to visit a school and go to a stadium. We took pictures at the stadium and then headed to the school, an all girls school called Inanda Seminary. Oh I can’t tell you guys how exciting that was! I felt right at home since a few of the school girls happened to be older than me (embarrassing) Lol. Nonetheless it was amazing. The girls were all full of energy and the day was amazing. There was lots of food and dancing (we had the works). Funny part about that day was that I offered to take pictures of two girls and then a flock of them came running. It got worse when I decided to jump in the picture with them, so bad that the security had to rescue me! It was fun and I loved it. This morning at breakfast one of the girls came to me and says “Me and some of the other girls were talking about you yesterday (meaning the day we took the bus ride down to Durban) and we were just saying how you’re always all dressed up and made up, and that we’ve never seen you have a bad day.” It was really encouraging to me and a reminder that I always have to put out my best because people are watching. She also said they think that I’m really sweet and nice to them, and really beautiful, and they think I'll make it in the semi finals! I hope that they’re right!

Happy Birthday to me!

All I can say is FINALLY some connection! I have been dying to update you guys with information and pictures but the signal here has been impossible. I'll have you guys know that I paid 400 hundred Rand just to use the internet connection for 12 hours and still couldn’t get connected because apparently our crew and all the girls booked out the lodge where we are at now and because 95 percent of us are logged into our computers the signal has been very low. In the mean time I took lots of pictures and have so much to talk about. Firstly the 8-hour bus ride to Durban. You know although the ride was long and fairly uncomfortable, it was really funny and nice. I made so many videos that my camera lost storage space! We told jokes and sang songs and of course the girls sang me happy birthday. We made three stops and were treated to the local burger joint so that was pretty cool and funny to see these girls in heels and cocktail dresses marching into a local and outside burger joint! Lol! When we finally arrived to Durban I can’t tell you guys enough how beautiful this place is. If I can compare it to anything it would be very similar to Kimalame Cay with our own personal view of the river and beach - absolutely breathtaking! We were escorted to our room by the golf cart porters and when he let my roommate and me into the room, a birthday cake, candle and a card were alongside my bed and he sang happy birthday to me! I must say that was the highlight of my trip and the best birthday I ever had, but I promise I only had one slice of the cake. Well later that evening we had dinner that turned out to be a party for me and I shared the cake with everyone. Miss Barbados also recently celebrated a birthday so I let her cut half of my cake. Lol! The securities entertained me with a funny dance which apparently didn’t turn out too well for them in the morning since they were reprimanded by the chief security for their behavior! Lol! It was a beautiful night though and lots of fun.

Hello Mr. President!

Today we contestants got a pleasant surprise. Yesterday we were told that we would be going to Nelson Mandela's house but upon arriving to our destination today we found out that we were going to have tea with the President and have a mini press conference! That went swell and we were all excited. I'll have you guys know that I made the SABC3 TV news and got surprisingly just as much coverage as Miss South Africa. We were all given the opportunity to take individual photos with the President but when it was my turn, I didn’t just shake his hand. I thanked him for having us and told him I was honored to meet him. I also brought love and greetings from the Bahamas. They aired our interaction on the news, so that was pretty exciting. Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any more exciting, I found out that I made the talent finals and will be one of the contestants fighting to win the talent fast track! I am thrilled to say the least, and I promise to do my very best in Sunday’s final.

The talented few...

After a fun day competing in the Sportswoman fast track, we had little dinner on our last night in Port Elizabeth. We're now back in Joburg, and I'm a bit sick from the Port Elizabeth weather, but I'm going to be fine. The competition is now on and popping so I'm paying much more attention and will be bringing it stronger. I am taking note of all the coaching and advice I've been given and the things I should improve on.

We had the second round of auditions for the Talent Fast track today but we won't find out who moves on to the finals until tomorrow. And by the way, the date of the talent finals has been moved up! I think I did well in my audition so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be one of the chosen ones to compete in Sunday's finals. Will keep you guys posted.....talk to you all soon!

Out of Africa

I can't begin to tell you guys how amazing the safari was and seeing the different animals at the Nguni Lodge (Game Reserve park). Then that night we went to a mini fashion show and sushi and champagne affair which ended very briskly because of the terrible weather. Port Elizabeth has actually been really cold and windy since it is near the coast. As for the sports day it went swell! Our team did great and even though we didnt win it was still really nice and pretty interesting to see the competitive side of people come out! Lol! I made the top ten out my group and was one of the 40 girls who competed in the sporting event, however I didn't advance to the top twelve for the individual sporting finals. Nonetheless there's always another fast track.

Say cheese!

Hello everyone! So today wasn't my lucky picture day. Many of my photos were coming out dark and believe it or not when I finally got to take a single picture with the reigning Miss World - my battery died! It was sooooo embarrassing! Lol! But she was sweet enough to make the official photographer take our picture and email it to me. Our welcome in the Johannesburg airport was really spectacular, especially since we were greeted by a primary school Steel Pan Band! I was blown away... it was so cool to see. Our hotel is great, we're staying at the Radisson which allegedly just opened 2 weeks ago so we get first dibs on the room. Yay! Dinner was spectacular and full of action we got to get up and dance so it was tons of fun. Today is safari day and we're out by 6 a.m. so as we speak I'm downstairs waiting on the chaperons and the rest of the girls to arrive. Will definitely take lots of pictures to make up and my batteries are fully charged. Until then you guys take care, and again many thanks!

From Joburg to Cape Town.

So we should be leaving Joburg tonight to travel to Cape Town. I'm so excited! I'll update you guys when I learn more about this.

Abu Dhabi on the horizon!

The days are going really fast but it is wonderful being here. Yesterday was the World Travel Dinner and my outfit was a hit! Thanks again Bobby - you are the BEST! I was seated with representatives of the Royal Jet of Abu Dhabi who went on to win the prize for best private jetting services so I was really happy to be sitting at that table! Lol! Today we met Julia Morley and got into the specifics of our itinerary and other things. We then went on to rehearsals for the big gala and auction tonight and had the press come in and swarm us with interviews and questions! Can't wait to make a hit with my Grecian dress though. Today we also got the news about the next special event on the itinerary, and guess what? I've been picked to go to Abu Dhabi!!!!!! Apparently there are only 65 girls going but we had a meeting this morning saying that may change. Those of us who were selected came up to our rooms and the others girls stayed behind so we are waiting to see what becomes. There may be a problem... I was told that I need an entry visa for Abu Dhabi. I'm not the only girl in this predicament though, so hopefully this evening my chaperon will let me know if I've been granted one. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. So now it's time to pack for the trip. Today may be my last day commuting with u guys until I get settled in Abu Dhabi. Take care guys... Love you all!

Let the games begin!

So we arrived in London yesterday and hit the ground running! A group of us were selected to visit the BBC Studios where we made an appearance on Friday night's The One Show with the reigning Miss World. How cool is that for a first experience in London? And then today we had auditions for the Miss World Talent fast track. I'm proud to say that I advanced to the next round! I'm so thrilled because out of about 40 or so girls who auditioned in my group, only five of us advanced. Tomorrow is a hectic day... there's videotaping in the morning, touring London in the afternoon, then the World Travel Awards Grand Final tomorrow night. But I'm not complaining... I'm looking forward to every minute!

Parting is such sweet sorrow!

SO everyone, my graduation is tomorrow.... it seemed as if this time would never come. Mind you it is a bitter sweet moment for me because I'm leaving behind friends that I have had for six years, the school lunches, and the water fights. However, it is time for all of us to grow up and experience the wider world. As for me, winning the pageant has given me an amazing opportunity to see the world at its best, and I can’t wait! I’m just grateful for being blessed to share my high school career with the most superb group of teens, and I am especially thankful to God because I live His faithfulness each day. Graduation promises to be pretty good, word has it that I should be graduating on a really good level so of course I'm stoked about that. And then after graduation is the AFTER-PARTY..... but of course I'll be quite mellow about it, seeing that I am a queen...... ahem! Lololololol! But seriously, I'm just waiting for tomorrow, and then I am officially done! YAYYYYYYYY!

Missosology calling....

I'm amazed at the response I've been getting since winning the Miss Bahamas World title. Immediately after winning, I appeared on the covers of Global Beauties, Critical Beauty and Missosology! And now, Missosology has requested an interview with me for their Beauty Talks Section! I'm so excited! Some of these questions are quite interesting, to say the least! LOL! Can't wait to see the interview online!

Welcome home, Miss Bahamas World!

I feel so proud to be back home where the people of Grand Bahama are welcoming me with open arms! The next two weeks will be filled with events for me. Firstly tomorrow my sponsor has arranged to put on a motorcade for me in the downtown area (if weather permits - we've been getting a lot of rain lately). Also I was invited by Junior Achievement (I was a three year member and V.P of marketing award recipient) to give remarks at the JA banquet. Also my church which is Calvary Temple has made it priority to hold a thanksgiving celebration Sunday service in my honor. And of course there is prom and graduation night. I'm still getting used to this Miss Bahamas thing... not sure which events I should wear my crown and sash!

Good Morning MBO!

I know that it's pretty early in the morning but never mind that. I basically wanted to say to all of you Thank You! Words cannot express how grateful I am to have met such a wonderful and passionate organization in my life. You guys were not only always there for me but for all of the contestants at large, and if you all ever felt that you all went unnoticed, know that you were noticed by me. From what I saw, you guys worked extremely hard to put on a good production and I personally felt that because of the teamwork you all had, the show was inevitably a success. Thank you all for serving in your own individual capacities to create the person you have made me today. I'm sure all of the girls can say that you all were essential in our personal growths for the past three months, and we are all better ladies because of it. Thank you all for taking me under the shadow of your wings and nurturing me. Because of this I pledge to serve this committee and the Bahamas at large to the best of my ability. Through God's help and your continued support, I WILL be the best queen that you have ever had! I am delighted to be working with you all and I cannot wait for the work to begin!

Hit the ground running!

After being crowned Miss Bahamas World last night (wow... that sounds so surreal!) my mom and I had lunch today with MBO executives and my new coach Bobby Ackbarali. And guess what? The work has already begun! Bobby gave us some very detailed instructions of what I am to begin doing as soon as I get back home to Grand Bahama! After lunch, mom and I caught a flight on Sky Bahamas to Freeport, where I will have a very busy two weeks.... final exams, graduation, prom, appearances, then its back to Nassau to begin the job of being a Beauty Ambassador!

Joanna Brown is the new Miss Bahamas World!

At 17, she was the youngest in the pageant, but Miss Grand Bahama World Joanna Brown won over the judges with her maturity, grace, intelligence and charm to capture the 2009 Miss Bahamas World title. The 6’ 0” high school graduate now begins preparations for the Miss World pageant, which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa in December of this year. A large crowd came out to witness the pageant, to see which of the “Earth Angels” would emerge victorious. In a tightly contested competition, Joanna did not disappoint her fans, as she appeared confident, calm, and regal during the competition. She now begins intense preparations for the Miss World competition at the hands of international and local beauty experts, led by renown fashion designer and pageant coach Bobby Ackbarali.

So, who is Joanna Brown?

PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Age
17

Date of Birth
11 23 1991

Place of Birth
Dade County Florida, U.S.A

Eye Color
Dark Brown

Hair Color
Dark Brown

Favorite Color
Gold

Favorite Food
Chinese Food

Favorite Sport
Soccer

ACHIEVEMENTS
National Debate Champion, Grand Bahama's Junior Minister of Tourism, Outstanding Junior Achiever, National Arts Festival Gospel Soloist Champion, Outstanding Youth Award recipient

FAMILY LIFE
Mom, dad, 7 brothers, 2 sisters, and our potcake Lala!

MOST UNUSUAL THING I'VE EVER DONE
At the age of 9, I attempted to take my pet fish for counseling for refusing to respond to the food I put in its tank after changing the brand 7 times!