Miss Seychelles…Another World |09 June 2017
Christine Barbier relinquishes crown after memorable, life-transforming reign
Outgoing Miss Seychelles…Another World 2016 Christine Barbier has said she has enjoyed the year-long journey that has helped to transform her into a more confident and mature young woman.
On Tuesday, Ms Barbier met Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) chief executive Sherin Francis and her deputy Jennifer Sinon to officially hand over her crown after her contract with STB, which organised the 2016 Miss Seychelles beauty pageant, ended at the end of May 2017.
STB has organised the Miss Seychelles…Another world beauty pageant for the last five years, since 2012. The event is now managed by the Creative Industries and National Events Agency (Cinea)
The meeting with STB officials was an opportunity for Ms Barbier to share her experiences and accomplishments, having lived the past year as the Seychelles’ beauty queen. She noted that her life did not really change, although she had a busy and at times tiring schedule, adding that she remained positive and took everything that came her way as a challenge.
“I will cherish every single moment of my reign as Miss Seychelles 2016,” said Ms Barbier.
On top of being an ambassador, representing the country at various tourism events overseas during her reign, Ms Barbier has worked closely with orphanages and the children’s ward at the Seychelles Hospital. She has also worked hard to gather the support of various sponsors for projects and events she has taken part in.
Surely one of her most memorable moments as Miss Seychelles was her involvement in the Miss World Beauty pageant, held in Washington DC in December last year.
“It was indeed a memorable moment as I walked down the stage at the Miss World pageant and clearly seeing my mum, brother and two STB staff cheering me on by floating the Seychelles flag,” she recalled.
STB chief executive Sherin Francis has thanked Ms Barbier for the 12 months she has served as Miss Seychelles 2016. Mrs Francis also pledged STB’s ongoing support to her, until she crowns her successor in July.
“We are very proud of Christine’s achievements and it’s always been the best of privileges when working with reigning Miss Seychelles since 2012. We have seen her grow into a more independent and confident woman, and moreover, a role model for future Miss Seychelles to come. We wish her only the best in her future endeavours,” said Mrs Francis.
While she awaits the next Miss Seychelles pageant to crown one of the 14 aspiring contestants, Ms Barbier is still keen on seeing the realisation of her ‘Beauty with a purpose’ project entitled ‘Children’s Home ‒ Comfort, Care, and Continuity.’ Her aim is to gather support to help build a halfway home for young people coming from children’s’ homes across the country when they reach the age of 18.
The project was presented to a panel and various sponsors who confirmed their support but it has since been delayed while a suitable location for the development is identified.
“Discussions on the project are still ongoing with Cinea, which has taken charge of the organisation of the Miss Seychelles beauty pageant, to come to a decision on whether the project will continue to gain momentum, although my reign will end in 2017” she said.
The 2017 Miss Seychelles beauty pageant, which will be the first organised by Cinea together with Telly’s Modelling Agency, will held on July 29, 2017.
Contributed