Miss Namibia Happie Ntelamo is finally going to Bahamas after facing financial problems

Miss Namibia Universe 2009 Happie Ntelamo is finally assured of going to Bahamas to compete at the Miss Universe 2009.

The road to Miss Universe was not easy for Happie who had faced financial difficulties. Just last week, the Miss Namibia organization had no money yet to send the black beauty queen to the pageant despite efforts to raise fund or to look for sponsors last week. Thanks God, they were able to get sponsors at the last minute. Happie could be the happiest woman on earth nowadays.

Yesterday in Windhoek, Happie presented to the media her national costume. Namibian Wilemien Chamberlain designed the costume.

Happie is on her way now to Bahamas as she left the country today. Along with her is an item called the "National Poison" - a Nakara Namibia handbag, which she will be presenting at the Miss Universe 2009 Auction.

Goodluck to you, Happie.

Miss Namibia Happie Ntelamo might not participate at Miss Universe 2009

Miss Namibia 2009, 20-year-old Happie Ntelamo, is still short of N$54 000 to make her dream come true at the 58th annual Miss Universe competition.

The glamorous event, featuring some of the world’s most beautiful women, for 2009 will be held at Atlantis paradise island resort in the Bahamas on August 23.

Though the Namibian private sector is helping, money is still short while her flight is already booked and wardrobe ready to be packed by next week Thursday. Happie will leave next Saturday.

Miss Namibia and her two princesses Tanya Schemmer and Susan van Zyl, as well as pageant organiser, Connie Maritz, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Nahas Angula. During the discussion it came to light that some money is still needed in order for her to partake in the event. Maritz is, however, hopeful that the amount will be raised in time for Happie to represent her country.

The Office of the Prime Minister, encouraging her to be brave and hopeful, made a contribution of N$5 000 towards Happie’s mission and wished her well in bringing the crown back home.

A fluent speaker in Spanish, Italian and English, 23-year-old Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela is the reigning Miss Universe.

Source: newera.com

3 countries back out from Miss Universe 2009

Eighty-five representatives from countries around the world are expected to take part at the 58th edition of Miss Universe to be held in Bahamas.

82 contestants have already been selected and 3 countries have yet to select their representatives. Miss Spain 2009 will be named on July 18th, Miss Honduras on Jluy 25th and Jamaica on July 26th.

If things won't work out for Miss Namibia Happie Ntelamo, she might withdraw from the pageant.

Ntelamo has not yet found a sponsor who is willing to send her to Bahamas. Due to the ongoing economic crisis, the organizers are having hard time raising the funds to be needed.

Ntelamo herself is spearheading the campaign to raise money for the pageant, with one of the events being a gala dinner scheduled for July 25, to which companies and individuals are being asked to book tables to fund the trip.

There is also a rumour that Honduras might skip the pageant this year due to the political tensions that are  taking place in this Central American country.

On the other hand, Jamaica is sending their last representative this year and the organizers have already announced that they will not be sending representatives on the next few years because of lack of sponsorships.

In another development, Northern Marianas already backed out from Miss Universe 2009 because of the crisis. Sorene Maratita was supposed to compete in Bahamas but she was advised by her organizers that she will only be competing at the Miss International 2009 pageant in Japan and China.

Sri Lanka and Trinidad and Tabago had already begged off earlier.

*****The first picture is Miss Namibia 2009 Happie Ntelamo and the second picture is Miss Northern Marianas 2009 Sorene Maratita.