TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS – 30th September 2011- Two months after securing the title win to become Miss BVI 2011, Abigail Hyndman is making a name for herself and causing heads to turn; not for her height of five feet, nine inches; but for her winning personality, enthusiasm and motivation.
“My journey to receiving the crown was a very long and emotional one. The second that they called my name as the winner, a mixture of emotions just came pouring out. It was that of joy and contentment,” the beauty queen said.
Having dreamed of entering the Miss BVI pageant since childhood, garnering the crown became a significant accomplishment for this pre-med student who would’ve entered her senior year at Xavier University this Fall. However, instead of returning to her studies, the aspiring anesthesiologist deferred her last year to dedicate her time and energy into her new role and responsibilities as Miss BVI.
“This is my full time job. I have taken the year off from school and have committed myself to being here and executing my reign to the best of my ability. I don’t have any regrets about it; I knew that going in I would have to make certain sacrifices,” Miss Hyndman said. “I am a BVIslander, this is my home, and this is a place I always come back to. There is so much history about who I am. My family is here and I have really put aside everything in my life to represent the BVI. I think I can demonstrate how much I love this country and how much I’m invested in being a great representative for my country.”
Immediately after becoming Miss BVI 2011 Ms. Hyndman made a series of traditional pageant appearances throughout August Festival and has participated in discussions broadcasted on popular local radio and television stations where she’s spoken to the public and youth about her platform on domestic violence. In her early teens she encountered victims of domestic violence firsthand through her work in legal services. Having witnessed the impact caused by this social ill she decided to use her position to create more awareness throughout the territory. One of her first steps is a partnership developed with the Family Support Network (FSN) and she’s in the midst of developing a teen hotline with Ladies of S.A.S.S.
Miss Hyndman’s ultimate goal throughout her reign is to raise enough funds to have a shelter built on Tortola that can house victims in the territory who are in need of protection from their abusers.
According to Miss Hyndman, the FSN has limited options and they’re only able to secure people for a maximum of three days whereas a domestic violence shelter would allow the organisation to house victims for longer periods of time. She described her ideal structure as being equipped with enough rooms to accommodate at least 10 families and it would include an office space and an area to provide counseling sessions.
To bring more attention to domestic violence issues within the territory, Miss BVI and FSN are actively pursuing creative avenues to raise funds. Every Friday they hold a thrift store in front of the FSN building in Road Town where a variety of items are sold to help generate money for the shelter. They have been targeting small and large businesses for additional support and are asking the public to help as much as they can. “We’ve been getting support from politicians and a lot of influential people in the community,” she said.
“People don’t understand that domestic violence is connected to mental health, social development, and the legal system. So many parties get involved. With our limited resources it’s very hard to address all of their needs at this time."
The number of people seeking help from domestic abuse in 2011 has yet to be totalled, but in 2010 they took care of 70 victims. “Those are only the ones that came forward to report it, but I think many are probably still scared to come forward,” she said.
Aside from her pageant duties, Miss Hyndman is taking a proactive approach and gearing up for future competitions. She has already begun to work on her talent and routines, and is keen on monitoring her overall health. “I think practice makes perfect that is why my preparation has already started. I am preparing myself both physically and mentally, as well as doing my research as far as previous pageants,” she said.
Eager to bring the Miss Universe and Miss Caribbean World crowns home to the BVI, a humble Miss Hyndman has determined that in order to be a stellar candidate she needs to remain focused, charismatic and resolute during her yearlong journey.