Miss Cayman Universe pageant cancelled for 2020

The Committee is saddened by this decision as they have received five applications from eligible young ladies, one of whom would have become the next Miss Cayman Islands Universe

(CMR) The Miss Cayman Islands Universe Committee has announced the cancellation of the 2020 pageant due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impossibility of hosting a live pageant before August 31 that would adhere to all of the social distancing requirements.

Together with the Miss Universe Organisation, the Ministry and the Committee believe that this is the safest and most responsible way forward.

The Miss Universe franchise requires a local pageant to be held by that date in order to qualify to participate in the international event. The committee also shared that the training and preparation require close contact with participants and solidified their decision to cancel the pageant at this time.

“The Pandemic has had a financial strain on our community and the Committee could not in good conscience approach sponsors when we’ve all experienced such a difficult time financially over the last few months,”

said Committee Chairperson, Derri Dacres-Lee.

“Neither could the Committee see how it was safe or economically feasible to host the local pageant which draws hundreds of people in an enclosed ballroom. Given this, the Committee believes that it’s best to postpone this year’s pageant.”

Despite no pageant this year this decision has been made to send the island's first runner-up 2019, to represent the Cayman Islands at the next Miss Universe Pageant.

Mariah is a proud member of 100 Women in Finance, NextGen Cayman and became a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) in 2018. Her accolades include being named a ‘Proud of Them’ Honouree in 2014; being Miss Teen Cayman Islands 1^st runner up in 2011 and a Deloitte scholarship recipient in 2010.

“The committee is delighted to have Mariah as our representative at the Miss Universe Pageant, “We wish her all the best as she embraces the new opportunity and look forward to working closely with her.”

added Ms. Dacres-Lee,