Miss Bahamas

Brianna Clarke

Brianna grew up in the Capital, Nassau, which is on the island of New Providence, Bahamas. Having won a scholarship to attend Elmira College in upstate New York she recently graduated with a BA in Economics magna cum laude. Since then she has worked at two of the most prominent national development non-profit organisations in the US, Local Initiatives Support Corporation and the Enterprise Foundation, in order that she may gain knowledge and experience. Her ambition is to further her education and take a PHD in Planning & Development. Brianna has had a variety of part time jobs to help supplement her education and where ever possible enjoys working with the non-profit organisations.


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
I grew in the capital, Nassau, which is on the island of New Providence, Bahamas. Nassau is an interesting place to grow up, because it has most of the amenities of a modern city, while still maintaining a serene island feel. Growing up in such a popular tourist destination awarded me the opportunity to meet many different people from around the world, who were always happy to introduce me to their respective cultures. My family is a unity of the fast-paced city life and the traditional fishing days of the more remote islands of the Bahamas, which we like to refer to as the "family islands". My mum and dad have strong ties in two popular family islands, Eleuthera and Abaco, so growing up I was always taught to enjoy the excitements of the city and the survival ways of the islands. I am the oldest of three children and have always found the most joy in spending time with my 21-year - old brother and 9-year-old sister. My little sister is truly a blessing as she came unexpectedly, when my brother and I were older but has come to be the most profound teacher I will ever have.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
I have had a variety of jobs as I have been working in one form or another since I was about 13 years old. My most interesting job was definitely my work at Atlantis Hotel and Casino on Paradise Island, Bahamas where I held the titles of Guest Services Representative and Executive Assistant. During this time period I was paid to do the thing I love the most, learn about cultures from around the world. Working there was like being awarded the opportunity to travel and see the story behind people - the good the bad and the ugly. So cool! Besides the above, I had my most rewarding experience while working for various non-profits, which I will discuss further in a later question.

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
Having recently graduated with a BA in Economics magna cum laude, I am interested in all of the ways I can use my degree to better my country as a developing nation. The Bahamas has a unique experience as an archipelago located on the outskirts of the Caribbean and in the centre of the Western hemisphere and there are many opportunities of our progress as people. I plan to pursue my PhD in Planning and Development, while continuing to gain experience with non-profit organisations aboard so that I can one day return home with the knowledge that I need to make a positive impact for all.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
The proudest moment of my life was without a doubt graduating from college recently. I am the first person in my family to attend college and had to receive a full tuition scholarship just to get there. As my dad was orphaned at 12 and never graduated from high school this is a milestone in my family representing both my abilities and that of my parents.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
The most embarrassing moment of my life was definitely the time that I had to borrow a swimsuit from a friend to attend a boat party when I was 12 years old. My friend had a bigger frame than me, and needless to say I was horrified/amused when I jumped into the water and emerged at the surface, leaving my top behind!

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
My life has changed in subtle, but important ways since winning the title of Miss Bahamas World 2004. What makes this pageant experience unique is the incredible opportunity to represent my country at one of the most prestigious pageants in the world, now that I am an educated, driven woman with more to offer that a pretty face. This pageant has renewed my pride in my country and my drive to represent it as best I can.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
I would have to say that the most interesting event I have ever attended was a vacation with friends to Havana, Cuba. Even more than the beautiful scenery and city, I enjoyed revising the stereotype I had gathered from the media about the Cuban people and getting to know them for what they are. Beautiful and educated people who are ready for a major change in their country.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
If I were to become Miss World 2004, I would like to continue the tradition of raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Caribbean is second only to Sub-Saharan Africa in the percentage of infected citizens it has, with the Bahamas having 3% of its people infected with HIV/AIDS. I am especially interested in combating the social reasons why HIV/AIDS prevails and presenting people with alternatives. In addition to the task explained above I would like to help raise money and support for the victims of the destructive hurricane season this year so that our developing nations can get back on track. I would specifically like to raise money to restore homes that have been damaged and to counsel people who have been overcome by despair.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
If I had a motto it would probably be "In order to understand the box of life one must learn to think outside of it sometimes ". This statement truly represents how much I believe in seeking the truth through progress but learning to respect the traditions of days past. I believe that balance is truly the key to success in life.

Give details of any charitable work undertaken?
In college I volunteered with Junior Achievement, a youth organization that gives low-income kids the vital skills they need to survive in today’s economy such as understanding their political system and balancing their checkbooks. I spent time volunteering with the local Red Cross teaching the importance of emergency prevention and helped raise scholarships for Bahamian students while working for Students In Free Enterprise as president of my school team.

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