EXCLUSIVE LEONORA RODGERS McCARTNEY Our Gem In The Bahamas In August of 1961, the Bahamas Beauty Pageant Committee of that time held its first pageant ever. It was the beginning of the most prestigious competition of beauty and brains on our shores. In those years, the winner received prizes live souvenirs and bouquets of flowers as gifts and the pageant was not held until after a round of eliminations, which was an event almost as big as the actual pageant night. That year, eliminations were held at the British Colonial Hotel, now called Best Western Hotel and the pageant held later that month at the world famous Cat & Fiddle Night Club, owned by the late Freddie Munmngs, Sr. When the competi¬tion had ended, it had been announced that Liz Cooper was second runner-up, Leonora Rodgers first runner-up, and our first ever Queen of The Bahamas was Brenda Major (now Barry). As soon as two weeks later, however, Brenda Major Barry stepped down as Miss Bahamas in order to pursue a career in nursing in London. Since the first run¬ner-up automatically gains the responsibility of becoming the new queen in a situation like this, Ms. Leonora Rodgers was subsequently the new Miss Bahamas 1961/62. Leonora was more than happy to pick up the crown and looked forward to representing her country at the Miss PanAmencan of Tourism Pageant (equivalent to present days Miss Universe) in December that same year. She was unaware at the time of the outcome of this entire turn of events as she made preparations for this adven¬ture. She remembers receiving a suitcase as a gift, which came in quite handy for her trip to Port Au Prince, Haiti, where the pageant would be held. She took along numerous garments, including a formal, cocktail and evening gown, tailored by Lillian Holbert. Pearle Cox, one of the founding members of the Bahamas Beauty Pageant Committee was her chaperon. Representing one of only three black girls in the international pageant, along with Miss Haiti and Miss Jamaica, and eleven other contestants from around the world, Leonora stood out with her poise, grace and beauty. Toward the end of the evening, Leonora learned that she was tied in first place with Ms. Argentina as winner of the Miss PanAmencan of Tourism Beauty Pageant. They were both then called back on stage to once again walk the runway and answer one last question in order to determine the winner once and for all. She distinctly remembers the runners-up of the evening, then referred to as 2nd (Miss Haiti) and 3rd (Miss Canada). Leonora had come a long way. She and Miss Argentina, as requested, strutted the runway and each answered the question asked of them. It was time again for the announcement of the winner. They both stood on stage awaiting the outcome of their most recent performance. The announcer finally made his long awaited announcement. She distinctly remembers his voice echoing. He announced 1st Place as Miss Argentina, then over and over he chanted, Bahamas, Bahamas, Bahamas. Leonora was crowned Miss PanAmerica of Tourism that year, finishing first over Miss Argentina (1st), Miss Haiti (2nd), Miss Canada (3rd), and all the competing nations of the world, includ¬ing Miss U.S.A. and many others. The first prize for the winner was a house, but of course there was a catch. In order for the queen to have received this gift, she would had to have left her country and live in Haiti. Other prizes were perfumes, jewellery, gift certificates, 50% all around Market discounts in Haiti, along with her crown and a winning robe. Nevertheless, it was indeed one of the most memorable days of her life as she could only smile, being overcome with joy. Mrs. Cox on the other hand was tearful and ran on the stage to embrace her new international queen. How was she to know theyd come out triumphant on this their very first year. The President of Haiti, Papa Dock Duvalier, and his wife joined them on stage to con¬gratulate Leonora on her victory, expressing happi¬ness that she had done so well. The following day met Leonora still in Haiti, only to be invited that evening to a ball, which would be held three nights later in her honour, at the Presidents Palace in The Square at Port Au Prince, which was televised throughout Haiti. She was wel¬comed as a fellow citizen, as they each made a toast to the others country. Since the events of that week, Leonora became and remained close friends with Mr. and Mrs. Duvalier and was given the royal treatment each time she re-visited Haiti. Returning home to proud Bahamians, the Pageant Committee greeted Ms. McCartney from the plane and escorted her to a luncheon held again at the Cat 6- The Fiddle. She was also featured in lead¬ing local newspapers and publications. During that time, the leader in The Bahamas was Sir Roland Symonette, Premier and Sir Stafford Sands was Minister of Tourism Leonora returned to Haiti in 1962 to pass on her crown. She was greeted by dignitaries and accompanied by body guards, a chauffeur, body guards, an interpreter and escorts. She make her final walk and later passed her crown to the 1962 winner, Miss Brazil. Its hard to forget the reaction of the crowd during the closing of her speech. Home is where the heart is, she said, And I con-sider this my home; so you know where my heart is. Haiti had indeed become her second home and that visit was definitely not her last. Born August 16, 1942, Leonora worked as a ticket clerk for British Airways/Bahamas Airways since the age of eighteen. She attended both St. Johns College Secondary School and the Government High School. She spent her last four years, however at St. Hughs High School in Kingston, Jamaica where she received a Cambridge for thirteen subjects. She went on to obtain a cer-tificate of distinction in Shorthand and Typing at Southermere College, also in Kingston. She contin-ued her career with the airline and married Charles McCartney on December 9, 1967. Their union pro-duced two children, Conra McCartney Stovel, who has two boys, Louis, 10 and Leshad, 6; and Caffie McCartney with 2 year old Leseane Mrs. McCartney worked over the years as a Casino Host, a Social Hostess, and she recalls her most exciting job managing the headquarters of Maurice Moore, where she had the opportunity to assist and build a positive relationship with con-stituents of Freeport. Today, Leonora works in Special Projects with the Bahamas Ministry of Youth and Culture. She has maintained her charm, beauty, poise and good looks throughout the years and is still given the label of Miss Bahamas. Leonora hopes that this year or very soon we will once again have an international queen. She encourages young ladies to continue to enter the Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant—after all, she says, look at the huge improvement in the list of prizes! and wishes best wishes to the incoming queen. FEATURED STORY IN MISS BAHAMAS BEAUTY PAGEANT MAGAZINE 1997/1998 Photo (left) Nora was 1st. Runner Up in Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant held at the world famous Cat & Fiddle Nightclub. Upon Brenda Major giving up the crown to further her education Nora became Ms. Bahamas.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 17:33:31 +0000