The pageant, held under the auspices of the San Pedro Town Council, is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3rd at Central Park. According to Pageant Organizers Patty Verde and Marion Mejia, the first place winner will receive a one-year scholarship (to her school of choice in Belize) and a gold bracelet, among other prizes. Each of the young ladies competing will also receive prizes being donated by the local business community. Prior to the pageant, the contestants will participate in a variety of activities including a day trip to Altun Ha and Maruba Resort, a visit to Jaguar Paw and the Belize Zoo, an overnight trip to San Ignacio, Cayo, a day at Captain Morgan’s Retreat, and dining at various San Pedro Town restaurants. During the pageant, each of the contestants will make stage appearances in swimsuit, casual and evening wear, which will be followed by a question and answer session.

   The local businesses sponsoring the girls include Castillo’s Hardware, Belize Bank (San Pedro Branch), Victoria House Resort, Ramon’s Village Resort, and Fido’s Courtyard.

   In a brief interview with the five delegates, The San Pedro Sun learned the following information about each of the contestants.

   Roxanna Bradley is an eighteen year-old graduate of St. Catherine’s Academy. She is presently in her second year of general studies at St. John’s College/Junior College. Following junior college, Miss Bradley hopes to pursue a career in architectural design at a university in the United States. An original member of the San Pedro Dance Company, this vivacious young lady enjoys water sports and going to the beach. "I feel that this pageant will give me an opportunity to meet new people and to get to know my country better, by touring the various exotic places Belize has to offer," Miss Bradley told The San Pedro Sun. She added that if she is named Miss San Pedro, she will be honored to represent her community and by doing so, hopefully new doors of opportunity will open for her (not to mention the benefits of the scholarship prize).

   Fifteen-year-old Johaida Nuñez is presently attending St. Peter’s College. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing and playing basketball. Miss Nuñez is very excited to participate in this competition, her first pageant, and vows to give her very best to the community. She encourages other young women to participate in events of this type in order to broaden their horizons.

   Ella Carr is the current Miss Garifuna San Pedro. She is seventeen years old and a Fourth Form student at San Pedro High School. Miss Carr hopes to further her studies and eventually become a business manager. Her hobbies include dancing and playing basketball. In her spare time, Ella earns her own "spending money" by braiding hair. Miss Carr told The Sun that she joined the pageant because she loves her community and hopes to be an ambassador for this island.

   Eden Velasquez is a sixteen-year-old, Second Form student at San Pedro High School. This is Eden’s second pageant experience (1st runner up – 2000 Miss San Pedro Garifuna Pageant). Miss Velasquez stated she decided to participate "to share my love with the people of San Pedro." A very athletic young woman who enjoys soccer and dancing, Eden hopes to become a teacher because she admires the hard work and dedication it takes to provide students with an education, so they may become productive members of their community.

   Seventeen-year-old Sheena Paz is a recent graduate of Tampa Prep School in Tampa, Florida, USA. She hopes to continue her education by attending San Pedro Junior College and then study law in the USA. Miss Paz enjoys reading, dancing, and going to the beach. Although she does not presently perform, she was one of the original members of the San Pedro Dance Company. Miss Paz stated that this pageant will give her the opportunity to showcase her natural talent and friendly personality. Miss Paz informed The Sun, "If I am selected the winner, it will be a blessing and an honor for me to represent ‘La Isla Bonita.’"

   Prior to announcing the 2004-2005 Miss San Pedro, prizes will also be awarded to the contestants chosen as Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality. Miss San Pedro will be presented to the entire community at a special coronation planned for Friday, September 10th during the St. George’s Caye Day Celebrations.