look forward to this year.

Contest promoter Mr. Terry Smith said that, this year, for the first time, one young woman -- whether it be Miss Tourism, Miss Talent, or the first runner-up -- would get the chance to participate in the first Miss Caribbean World contest to be held in New York City.

"One lady will get to represent Bermuda in the Miss Caribbean World pageant on September 2,'' he said. "It will be in one of the theatres on Broadway and it will be televised by one of the cable channels.'' Mr. Smith added that the winner of the Miss Bermuda Islands contest would represent Bermuda in the Miss World pageant.

He continued: "We have secured the Miss Tourism title from the Department of Tourism. The winner of this title will be selected to work within the department to promote Bermuda.

"It has always been a very prestigious title and it is an added bonus to the pageant.'' Mr. Smith said that outings around the Island would give the public an opportunity to see who is in the pageant.

"There will also be visits with dignitaries and a lot of practice to prepare for the contest with the help of Ms Ianthea Butler,'' said Mr Smith, who is hoping the contest will attract as many as 20 contestants aged between 17 and 24.'' The contest will be held at the Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort on August 13 at 8 p.m. Application forms for contestants can be obtained from Sabrina's, Cecile's, Eden, Frangipani in St. George's, and the Trojaniers in Somerset.