Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan said his ministry will make clear its position on the future of Miss Cayman Islands Universe Tiffany Conolly next week, at which time it is also expected to state the ministry’s role as the pageant franchise holder going forward.
Speaking on Cayman Compass talk show ‘The Resh Hour’, on Wednesday 24 Aug., Bryan said he was aware of how Conolly’s pending Summary Court assault trial has drawn negative attention to the islands and stated this was “a branding issue” for the tourism ministry, among other things.
“I think everybody feels not good when they see the negative commentary, not only locally but in other news networks outside of the islands,” said Bryan. “I want the public to know that I am aware of how this makes us look, and there were discussions around what transpired with the reigning queen.”
Conolly, 24, of West Bay, faces two counts of common assault, two counts of damage to property, two counts of disorderly conduct and one count of assaulting a police officer.
Conolly’s victory came two months before her scheduled trial and as many months shy of a year since she is alleged to have beaten up her ex-boyfriend and a member of his household and assaulted a police officer.
She was charged with the offences in January and pleaded not guilty in March.
Since her coronation, there has been public outcry about her legibility to have entered the pageant, let alone win.
The Miss Cayman Islands Universe Committee has consistently stated that, at the time of entry, Conolly met all entry requirements.
In the three weeks following her victory, the Ministry of Tourism has remained silent on the issue and has made no congratulatory remarks or official recognition of Conolly as Miss Cayman Islands Universe.
In September 2021, the ministry, within three days of that year’s Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant, released a congratulatory statement acknowledging Georgina Kerford as the winner.
Bryan said he is waiting to receive advice “on what’s the next best step” and that a statement from his ministry will be coming next week.
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