Ileann Powery, Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2023, will depart for El Salvador on Wednesday to take part in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant to be held on 18 Nov.
“I feel so honored and blessed to have the privilege of representing the Cayman Islands on the world stage,” said Powery in a MUCI press release.
The 25-year-old entrepreneur and professional volleyball athlete from West Bay earned the Miss Universe Cayman Islands on 2 Sept., beating out four other contestants for the title.
“It has been an extremely fast two months since winning the crown locally and a lot has been happening behind the scenes to ensure that I am ready for the international competition,” Powery said. “I am looking forward to applying what I’ve learned, meeting and being amongst the other delegates and being an ambassador for my beautiful Beloved Isle.”
Powery, who will be accompanied to El Salvador by Donna Bush, said it is not her first time visiting the Latin American country, the first being when she competed “for the Cayman Islands through sports, so I am excited to see what this new and different experience will be like”.
She added “a huge thank you to the people of the Cayman Islands for your continued support. I am so thankful for you all!”
Derri Lee, national director of the Miss Universe Cayman Islands organisation, said Powery is the “first queen under our umbrella as the franchise holder to represent the Cayman Islands at Miss Universe”.
Committee members will be attending the pageant along with some of Powery’s family and friends, Lee confirmed. “Each year we see a lot of families, friends and fans attend the Miss Universe pageant to support the delegate for their country; this year the Cayman Islands will have a good support group as well. ”
The pageant will air live Saturday, 18 Nov. at 8 pm EDT on multiple platforms including Telemundo and the Roku Channel in El Salvador. Preliminary competitions will be held on 15 and 16 Nov.
The global televised event will feature “90 women from around the globe vying for the job of Miss Universe, selected via events including personal statements, in-depth interviews, evening gown, and swimwear,” according to the Miss Universe website. The 71st Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, will crown her successor at the finale.
Members of the public are encouraged to download the Miss Universe app or click on missuniverse.choicely.com vote for Powery to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
To keep up to date with Powery on her Miss Universe journey, follow @missuniversecayman or the Miss Universe Cayman Islands Facebook page.
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