Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Kimberly Kamish to replace Destinee Arnold at Miss United Continents Pageant

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belize destinee arnold-2As of Tuesday, August 27th, queen of the Jewel Miss Belize, Destinee Arnold has withdrawn from representing Belize in the upcoming Miss United Continents Pageant scheduled for September 14th in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Her reason being that she wishes to further her education abroad.

Destinee Arnold is no stranger to the world of pageantry, having won the title of Queen of the Jewel Miss Belize and represented Belize in the Miss International Pageant in Okinawa, Japan in 2012. She has also participated in the Miss Ethnic World pageant in Long Beach, California, where she won the title of Miss Ethnic World 2013. Her stunning beauty and personality won the hearts of many and when she represented Belize at the 2013 Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant she won over the judges as well. After seven long years of wait the Reina de la Costa Maya crown went to yet another proud Belizean. Her beauty and bubbly personality has ensured Destinee a bright future in whatever she challenges.

In a press release issued by The Queen of the Jewel and The Next Miss Belize, Destinee officially withdrew from further competitions stating “After much thought and careful consideration, I hereby announce that I will not be able to represent Belize in the upcoming Miss United Continents Pageant in Guayaquil, Ecuador on September 14th. Within the past year I have received the honor of being crowned Miss Belize, Miss Ethnic World and Miss Costa Maya. Such prestigious accomplishments are more than any girl can dream of and I am now looking forward to some much need rest and reflection. I feel it is the optimum time for me to take an exit from the pageant industry and focus on the pursuit of my academic dreams. By putting my education first, I am arming myself with what is essential in becoming a better representative for Belize and me in the future. I take my job as a role model very seriously, I want to ensure that the young women of our country can always look up to their Miss Belize and know that we represent beauty of the mind, heart, spirit, in addition to physical attributes. My academic achievements along with the scholarship I received from Miss Belize and the Ministry of Education, have afforded me the opportunity to study abroad in the upcoming year and I fully intend to take advantage of that. In doing all of this, there will be no limit to what I can bring back to my beloved country.”

costa maya dj zog-1Destinee will be furthering her studies at California State University of Fullerton in California, USA where she is sociology major. Pageant Director, Opal Enriquez has stated that that they fully support Destinee’s decision. “Our organization fully respects and supports Destinee’s decision. Though there is nationwide disappointment as we were hoping our champion would bring home another crown, as advocates for education we believe that Belize is fortunate to have a representative who has her priorities in order. I couldn’t be more proud of her,” said Enriquez.

Destinee’s replacement, first runner-up Maryam Abdul Qawiyy, will be overtaking all official pageant duties until a new Miss Belize is crowned. However, Maryam will be unable to replace Destinee in the upcoming Miss United Continents Pageant due to prior commitments.

Kimmy Kamish 9As such, representing Belize at the pageant will be 24 year old professional model Kimberly “Kimmy” Kamish. Kimmy is no stranger to the world of pageants, as she was a finalist in Miss Panamerican in 2009 and represented Belize in the Miss Intercontinental Pageant in Alecante, Spain in 2011. Kimmy is a broadcasting major and a Dangriga Town native. Kimmy is currently a print model and spokes model for popular brands such as Vans and Reebok, and is known for her effervescent personality and warm heart.

Destinee would like to thank all Sponsors, Pageant Director Opal Enriquez, family, friends and all Belizeans for both financial support and believing in her ability to represent our country with dignity, pride, honor, and beauty. “Thank you for embracing me and showing me acceptance, love, support, and kindness. This is not good-bye, because I will see you all later,” said Destinee.
The San Pedro Sun woul like to wish both Destinee and Kimmy the best of luck in their future endeavors.

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