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Wearing the Miss Cayman Crown
Thursday 18th October, 2007 (Cayman Compass)

For newly crowned Miss Cayman Rebecca Parchment, garnering the coveted title is a dream come true.

Determined to win from the off–set, the 25–year–old West Bay beauty entered the pageant brimming with confidence and a steely determination to win.

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“I was nervous at first, but as we prepared for the pageant I became more confident. Throughout the pageant I stayed positive, I kept telling myself I can do it. I wanted people to see the real me, so I just went out there and did the best I could,” she says.

Rebecca’s positive attitude paid off, and not only did she garner the Miss Cayman title, the newly crowned beauty queen also scooped up Best in Gown, Best Legs and Best Smile at the 29 September pageant held at the Lions Centre.

At five foot nine and with an enviable figure, stunning good looks, and an excellent academic background to boot, it’s easy to see why Rebecca swept the board.

Was she surprised to win?

“Yes and no. I knew I had what it took to win, but at the same time the competition was stiff.”

Her first official overseas trip takes place later this month, when she jets off to Sanya, China, to represent Cayman at the Miss World Pageant, scheduled for 1 December.

“It’s been a dream of mine to one day be Miss Cayman,” Rebecca says.

“My life has changed tremendously and I’m loving every minute.”

It wasn’t the first time for Rebecca, who holds a bachelor degree in business administration with a major in marketing from the University of Central Florida, had entered a pageant.

She entered her first pageant at the tender age of 12 and was crowned Miss Cinderella. At just age 17 Rebecca entered the Miss Cayman pageant, however is quick to admit she wasn’t ready.

“I entered in 1999 more for the experience. I wanted to find out all about the pageant. I had an amazing time and promised myself that I would enter again when I was better prepared and 100 percent ready.

“I remember saying to my parents before I left for my degree, that when I completed my course I was going to enter the pageant, win and represent Miss Cayman.

“I’m glad I waited until I did. I’m more responsible, mature and being away at college made me more open–minded, which will serve me well during my year as Miss Cayman.”

Talking about the preparation for the pageant, John Gray graduate Rebecca said it was an extremely intensive couple of months.

“I was working out at least five times a week with a personal trainer. We also had to practice walking in five inch heels with a book on our heads. I did a lot of interview training, everything from voice projection to how to answer a question without offending anyone.”

Rebecca, who currently works as brand manager at Jacques Scott, hopes to put her year as Miss Cayman to good use.

A keen environmentalist, Rebecca hopes to encourage more green initiatives in Cayman.

“Miss Cayman is opening so many doors to allow me to express the importance of protecting the environment in Cayman,” she says.

Top of Rebecca’s agenda is encouraging greater use of Compostable Ware to replace Styrofoam and plastics, which do not biodegrade, encouraging the use of bottle crushers in bars and restaurants and the use of green cleaning products. It’s a cause that is extremely close to her heart.

“I realise I am just one person, but I know I can make a difference. It’s going to take a lot of work and commitment to encourage people to be more green and conscious about Cayman’s environment. I want to get out in the community and express to people how important it is.”

Just some three weeks into her reign, Rebecca has already talked to local school children about going green, been heavily involved in breast cancer awareness month, while also preparing for the upcoming Miss World pageant.

While Rebecca is determined to turn Cayman ‘green’, she is also looking forward to the opportunity to travel.

“I love experience different cultures, meeting new people. I am so excited about going overseas and cannot wait to represent Cayman.”

Already, Rebecca’s reign as Miss Cayman is filling up, with charity events in New York and Canada planned, as well as the Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for April/May next year.

Looking forward, Rebecca plans to use the $70,000 educational sponsorship awarded with the title, to continue her education and gain a masters degree.

Will being Miss Cayman change her life?

“It already has, in the most amazing way.”