Rebecca Rath is New Miss Belize Universe!

Rebecca Rath was crowned the newest Miss Belize and, after ten years, will represent the country in the Miss Universe Pageant to be held on January thirtieth in Manilo, Philippines. Rath, a twenty-three year old of Dangriga, won a number of awards this past Saturday at the pageant including Top Model, Beach Body and People’s Choice, which was based on online voting. A total of ten delegates vied for the coveted title, competing in national costume, swimwear, evening gown and the final question.  It all took place at the Bliss and aired lived right here on channel five.

Rebecca Rath, Miss Belize Universe

“It’s been a journey, just as you said it. Everything from arguments to tears of happiness between me and the girls; it’s been an amazing journey and I am so glad that I am the next Miss Belize Universe and I am ready to represent Belize on the international stage. I cannot wait; I am ready to put in the work and I am anticipating that we will come out on top. I will be prepared by the time I got there to make our mark and show the world what Belize has to offer. Me and Marcia, we were holding each other’s hands and looking at each other knowing how supportive we were of each other, knowing that no matter what, we would always be friends. It was an unexplainable feeling when they called my name and the fact that all the girls were so supportive of the fact that I won. None of them were upset with me like you know how it is in pageants. It was an amazing experience.”

Duane Moody

“I noted that on pageant night, the support was also there for you from Dangriga and you got emotional in the end while being crowned. Talk to us about that.”

Rebecca Rath

Rebecca Rath

“The support from my people in Dangriga was everything for me. From the beginning, they were pushing me to do the best and they were telling me that you will do great. They were very encouraging. All the businesses that gave financial support in Dangriga as well, it would not have been possible without them and I am so glad that I made them proud. It was tears between me and my family, but also with them. All the girls that I coach for volleyball, they came up to me and they were crying as well and it’s a really great feeling that they believed in me and I was able to make them proud. Belize, I am so ready to represent you guys on the international stage. I am going to do whatever it takes; I am going to put in every inch of work that I need to do to make sure that I make your mark and that I make you guys proud on that international stage. I have to thank my sponsors, everyone in Dangriga—if I call the names, then I’m going to miss someone and I’ll feel really bad—but everyone that’s supported me, you know that I am entirely grateful. My family, to Miss Sherima, thank you so much…it wouldn’t have been possible without you guys. I am so proud to be your Miss Belize Universe.”

The finalists were: First runner-up, Marcia Moody of San Ignacio; second runner-up was San Pedro’s Dianira Rivera. Third runner-up was Belize City’s Neidy Rodriguez and Misty Swaso of Libertad rounded out the top five. Rath won a scholarship from the Ministry of Education; a ten-thousand-dollar wardrobe for the Miss Universe Pageant; travel to and from the pageant; and other prizes.