Tourism Ministry relinquishes Miss Universe Franchise

(CMR) The Ministry of Tourism and Transport, with the support of the Cabinet, has announced it has relinquished the Miss Cayman Islands Universe (MCIU) franchise. The Ministry said it has advised the Miss Universe Organization of this decision and has consulted with the Chair of the local organizing committee accordingly.

“The Cayman Islands Tourism industry is still in recovery, and the Ministry is heavily focused on driving visitation and returning tourism arrivals back to pre-pandemic levels,” said Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport.

“Consequently, I am hopeful that a private sector entity will step up and take over the franchise because in addition to offering tremendous empowerment opportunities for young women, it also allows them to act as positive role models for other young women, and represent the Cayman Islands as a cultural ambassador,” the Minister said.

“On this basis going forward, I can confirm that the Ministry of Tourism will continue to provide its support to the subsequent holder of the Miss Cayman Islands Universe franchise,” he added.

Mr. Bryan had indicated, in a recent press conference, that his Ministry was considering relinquishing the franchise due to restrictions when it comes to making decisions.

In a poll by CMR, 79.07 percent of respondents said the Ministry should give up the Miss Cayman Islands Universe franchise, while 20.93 percent said the government should continue holding the franchise.

The new reigning queen, Chloe Powery-Doxey, will continue to represent the Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant with the support of the local organizing committee, which will oversee Ms. Powery-Doxey’s activities until August 31st, 2023 when her reign officially comes to an end.

The MCIU committee is currently planning the official Crowning for Ms. Powery-Doxey and aims to host this small event before the end of March 2023.

In thanking the MCIU Committee for their hard work over the years, Minister Bryan stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge and thank each committee member for their sterling commitment to the Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant and for the guidance and support they have offered to the many young ladies who have ascended to the role of Miss Cayman Islands Universe under their tutelage. I wish each of the committee members all the best in their future endeavors,” he said.

Meantime, CMR understands that the Miss Cayman Islands Universe committee is almost non-existent as several members, such as Donna Bush and Judy Powery, resigned last week.