Commentary
Miss Cayman Islands - JackieBush shares her Miss Universe experience
Jackie Bush, Miss CaymanIslands 2000
On the night of Friday,11 May most homes in the Cayman Islands were watching the 50thMiss Universe Pageant, which was held in Puerto Rico. And althoughshe could not hear, cheers went up whenever Jackie Bush, the reigningMiss Cayman Islands' image appeared on television.
Jackie returned home lastSaturday on board Cayman Airways, along with the Minister of Tourism,Hon. McKeeva Bush, her mother Mrs. Marie Bush and Mr. CharlesClifford from the Ministry of Tourism.
In an interview with CaymanNet New, Jackie said that although she was not one of the topten finalists, the experience she gained at the Miss UniversePageant was incredible, despite the hectic schedule.
Typically, her day beganat 7:00 a.m. and ended at midnight. During the three weeks shespent in training, most days were filled with rehearsals, filming,outdoor activities and cocktail parties in the evening. "Itwas an experience in my life I will never forget", she said.
The Miss Universe Pageantprovided her the opportunity to meet and interact with many differentcultures on a personal level. She said that she was fortunateto bond with some of the delegates who included: Miss Aruba, MissBahamas, Miss USA, Miss Venezuela and Miss Slovenia, who was alsoher roommate.
Jackie said that she wasamazed at the attention the contestants received during the entirethree weeks and realized for the first time in her life, whatcelebrities have to deal with, in terms of fans asking to takepictures, autographs and the constant interest of the press. "Throughit all, we were never concerned about our safety, as we were alwayssurrounded by uniformed police and undercover officers",she confirmed.
Returninghome with Mr. McKeeva Bush and Mr. Charles Clifford
The activity which stands out most in her mind was the trip theymade to "Plazas de Americas" which left her stunnedat the amount of enthusiastic people who were at the mall, waitinganxiously to meet the contestants and to take pictures with them.
She realized the importance,which the public take in the pageantry and believes that if othercountries would place such importance in their girls, the outcomewould probably be quite beneficial.
"The entire event waschallenging", she admitted, "because we had to be verytolerant of situations that would arise, such as an occasion whendrinks were accidentally spilled down my back by two waiters".
Jackie said that she wasalso very impressed with the host country, as they did an excellentjob making all the contestants feel welcome and at home. "Theywere indeed helpful and hospitable. Although, It did not seemfair that a past Miss Puerto Rico, Dianara Torres and her husband,Marc Anthony, were judges, being that the pageant was held inPuerto Rico," she confessed.
None-the-less she believesshe did her best, never losing sight of her goal and felt thatif it was not for political reasons, she would have made it tothe top ten.
Jackie doesn't think thatshe'll be participating in other pageants. However, she says thatshe will certainly be assisting in the training of the young ladiesvying for this year's Miss Cayman Islands title. She will alsobe taking part in the up-coming Natalie Bishop's fashion show,where she will be modeling swim wear.
"I must really commendthe Ministry of Tourism, and in particular the Hon. Mr. Mc KeevaBush for all the effort they put in preparing the girls for theMiss Universe Pageant. I encourage them to keep abreast of pageantchanges in order to
bring home the crown sooner than is expected." she stated.