Alex Sanker Surprises Miss Universe Belize With Painting

Miss Universe Belize, Halima Hoy, is preparing to face off against other contestants on the world stage. She has the support of many Belizeans behind her, including well-known artist Alex Sanker. This afternoon, Sanker unveiled a painting depicting Hoy in a stunning black dress, emerging from a black orchid.  It was a surprise unveiling for Miss Universe Belize and her husband was in on it. He told her that he wanted to stop briefly on Albert Street to inquire about Sanker’s work and shortly after she found out about the piece. Our camera was there to capture the moment.

 

Halima Hoy, Miss Universe Belize

“I am caught off guard. My husband told me to look cute today and I was like awe that is nice. I thought it was just a lunch or something and a bunch of tiny lies led up top this moment. I am overwhelmed with the idea that he took the time to do this, and Alex took the time to incorporate a really strong message in this picture because it speaks volumes. The black orchid is at my toes and it represents a woman of black woman, a woman of black heritage representing the jewel. So, I am very touched by this piece.”

 

Paul Lopez

“So you are surprised.”

 

Halima Hoy

“I was, coming towards it I am like this is a nice little show and display but one was covered and for a slight little second it gave it away a little bit.”

 

Alex Sanker, Artist

“I think the crown is what sell it. We have never had a crown like this. It was always something that the pageant probably issue and also most importantly it is the first year where women with kids, marriage could enter the pageant and that is ground breaking. So I wanted to do something special and now for a fact that the black orchid is our national flower. And I don’t care what people see through my painting I am all about country, always promoting Belize in every way. When I found out she won, this is my sixth Ms. Universe, but I wanted to do something different, bring her out of the black orchid and bring her to the world. Of course this is not finished. This is going to be a universe with planets and stuff.”