Miss World 2013 opens in Indonesia amid tight security

Leslassa Armour-Shillingford at the Parade of Nations
Leslassa Armour-Shillingford at the Parade of Nations

The 2013 edition of Miss World got underway on Sunday on the Indonesian resort island of Bali with a glittering opening ceremony amid tight security.

Around 100 police, some with rifles, patrolled the building where the event was being held amid fears that Islamic hardline protests might turn violent.

Thousands of Islamic hardliners have taken to the streets across Indonesia during the past week, denouncing the show as “smut and pornography” and burning effigies of the organisers.

Hundreds of police have been deployed at hotels and venues linked to the Miss World 2013 pageant.

After the first round of formally introducing themselves to the world in the Parade of Nations, the contestants performed a traditional Indonesian dance, followed by a local cultural dance by Indonesian artistes.

The final event of the pageant will be held on September 28.

The winner will be crowned “Miss World 2013″ by reigning Miss World 2012, Wenxia Yu of China.

Dominica is being represented by Leslassa Armour-Shillingford.

Vote for Miss Dominica at http://www.pageantology.net/ .

See video below of the Parade of Nations

http://youtu.be/gSR4ZqSPzrM

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90 Comments

  1. NORTHERN LIGHTS
    September 10, 2013

    She looks wonderful! Flawless skin kissed by the Dominican sun, washed by the rain and the fresh Dominican breeze; She carried herself well, walked with confidence and had a glimmer in her eye that only comes from the peace and tranquility that comes with island living. Skerrit has truly put us on the map…..Congratulations Dominica! Congratulations miss Dominica. Job well done!!!!!

  2. Natural Living
    September 10, 2013

    OHHH Just vote for Lassa!!! http://www.pageantology.net/. and you can also download the App on the Miss world website and vote for her!!!! and tell all your friends to vote for her.

    Through Lassa winning Miss World, Dominica will get it’s recognition! Stop the negativity!!! None of you are over there in Indonesia, None of you know what the hell it is like to take part in something like this, the meticulous decisions- It is the same people who helped her win her four regional crowns that are with her now- they knew what they were doing then and I am sure they know what they are doing now!!!!!

    All Lassa needs from us right now is our SUPPORT and our VOTES!! so just give that please!!!

  3. Beholder
    September 9, 2013

    It’s been said that beauty (the external type) is in the eye of the beholder. If the Miss World people, being the beholders, believe that true beauty is long, fine flowing hair, then Leslassa has to change her look to stand a chance of winning. Hopefully, she would have done her homework about their concept of beauty. It is interesting though that so many of the girls, including the darker skinned girls, are showcasing the long, fine hair look…

  4. help
    September 9, 2013

    omg; I don’t like the dress. The black dress does not look like an evening wear. No glitter in the right places and the material is not right. It looks like stretchy cloth and it should be more satiny/silky. The person who said the hairstyle suited the evening wear you obviously don’t know much about style and fashion yourself. Obviously over 130 of the most beautiful girls in the world thought letting their hair loose and adding extensions was the way to go, so why us. If it had to be a one plait it should have been an updo with a nice chiffon style or bun placed at the top. NOT the back. You can’t look poor for if you are in Miss World, you need dresses that look expensive even though they are not actually expensive. I noticed she is carrying the same handbag in all her photos. We need nice clutches etc and long flowing hair for Miss World.

    She is so beautiful a few tracks of weave would have done it for her. She would look more polished. Curly frizzy look is not appreciated overseas. Only in the caribbean people like hair like that. Thats ok for home but for official events like that, more is required.

    • FingerPointers4
      September 9, 2013

      Absolute rubbish as I live overseas and wearing one’s hear this way is high fashion and has been in vogue for a number of seasons now.

      I think its the other way around, people like you in the Caribbean region appear to be overly obsessed with long hair that isn’t yours, as a result of the SAD misconception that “fake/false, long hair” is always best for every ocassion which just isn’t the case.

      As for her dress she looked stunning and I totally agree with the people who’ve asserted the same, loved the hair, love the dress and love that smile.

      Glitter has its place later on in the show.

      Let’s support not pull down.

    • My little country
      September 9, 2013

      U surely don’t know how to dress, she’s gorgeous

  5. enlighten
    September 9, 2013

    Sorry but I am right. Mark my words. Look at the black girls like Bahamas, Trinidad, South Sudan, Ghana and watch their photo shoots how relaxed and natural they look. Watch their introductory videos and compare ours. There was only one or two carnival queens who could do Miss World and they are both from the eighties and nineties. None of the 2000’s are appropriate. Leslassa is the best of the 2000’s and she missed all the vital aspects like dress, hair etc.

  6. ISIDORA
    September 9, 2013

    I am so proud of Leslassa. A tear of joy actually came to my eye. God be with you Lassa!!!! You make us proud – Go for it girl!!! DOMINICA LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!

  7. enlighten
    September 9, 2013

    Honest talk here. Leslassa is not ready for the world stage. And is not just her. We like posing too much and this does not go down well internationally. for them it is still a sign of being fake. Although she needs to reassess her wardrobe. That green top she used for her photo shoot looks so ordinary compared to the other contestants. And she is smiling too hard. Also ALL BEAUTY PAGAENTS LOVE LOTS OF HAIR. She should have used a weave or enhance her hair with clip in extensions. Who puts a tight one plait for an international pagaent. If it was softer it would have at least passed. Not scraped back tight at the back looking bald.
    Plus she was looking at the side when she first came out. We have to follow what the rest of the world is doing. Her side look was too drastic. Nobody else did that.
    We are not ready for those things. We talk staged, pose staged and have no real dress style so lets not waste any more of our much needed money on sending people to these things.
    Did the DFC reveal the cost of sending a contestant to miss world. First time I hear people donate money and they don’t ask what the target is. Dominicans wake up and stop making people take advantage of you all. Thats plain naive to just put your money and not know where it is going.

    • September 9, 2013

      no matter what our differences we should put them aside at this time and support our country so if you dont have nothing nice to say best you just shut up

    • unknown
      September 10, 2013

      jealous u jealous u dam idiot ………..plus why didnt u go to represent?

  8. boy
    September 9, 2013

    My Kalinago Queen Nadira would have stand out in even more.

    • made in dominica
      September 9, 2013

      stand out where ? she delete her facebook on alu ?bet u did not realize that

  9. rescue 911
    September 9, 2013

    Something about this girl i just love.all the best

  10. sandy
    September 9, 2013

    man i can’t stop looking at the opening I love to see Les,she look right at home.beautiful and breath taking.go my dear you are a star keep shining.we love you.

  11. lynn
    September 9, 2013

    I felt so proud when I saw the most beautiful young woman of the lot, Miss Armour Shillingford best of luck to you, do your best we are behind you, I know you can. to all the Caribbean woman best wishes. make our region proud.

  12. Huh
    September 9, 2013

    I was so proud but Miss Lassa we are on the world stage, hair loose like all your gorgeous pictures and come on we have all those gorgeous dresses let’s use them. The dress was much too simple, we have to shine at every moment, even if you are going for a walk we have to shine. That said, you are doing AWESOME, selected in the top 16 girls to dance ..WOOT WOOT, call backd for so… keep it up, but not too SIMPLE please. Aunty Carla where are you?

  13. Niko
    September 9, 2013

    I didn’t expect to feel so emotional looking at Leslassa but damn I had tears in my eyes…goose bumps all over …She’s a star. I agree with all the LET YOUR HAIR OUT comments…but I thought the style suited the sort of evening wear intro so swim wear round …let it loose…

    • Matriculation
      September 10, 2013

      Sadly there will be no swimwear round in this miss world 2013. The powerful moslem clerics have protested and got this appeasement.

  14. OK
    September 9, 2013

    Buts that is a God man! What is in winning a pagaent for us to have somebody enleh like that. One would swear the person have contributed greatly to the economic enhancement of the country when all she has done in reality is make all you more broke. We don’t need pagaents. Dominicans stupid eh. When she win her 100000 dollars I want to see how much you all will profit. Good job in making the rich richer while you remain poor malayweh

  15. MM
    September 8, 2013

    good luck god bless aim for the sky keep looking up , the sky is the limit DA is behind you. Walk with pride and confidence.

  16. very proud
    September 8, 2013

    wish you allthe best what an outstanding flag. you surely make Dominica proud. Go for it my prayers are with you

  17. Nac Vibes
    September 8, 2013

    Of all the Black nations there, only two black women. What ever happen to be young gifted and black.

    • me
      September 9, 2013

      you only saw two black ladies???
      you need some colour in your vision

      • Back&NeckBroth
        September 9, 2013

        Precisely and that’s why I’m saying myself! What a joker! :lol:

    • ForYourOwnSelf1
      September 9, 2013

      Have you per chance missed placed your reading glasses, as the foolishness you’re talking about just isn’t the case?!

      Case in point there are NOT only two black women at the pageant, as to name a few there are Miss Dominica, Miss Jamaica, Miss Barbados, Miss St Kitts, Miss Trinidad, Miss Nigeria, Miss Ghana, oops that’s seven to name a few and believe me lots more.

      Amazing how people can just sit behind a screen and type rubbish! Yessa papa!

  18. LOGS
    September 8, 2013

    Go DA GO!!! Very very proud..we Dominicans should pray and give our out most support to Laslassa…
    Wish u the very best!!1

  19. September 8, 2013

    OMG! Our queen looks so relaxed and confident. Just love her. We routing for you Leslassa in the U.S

  20. contact
    September 8, 2013

    who is responsible for her hair? do something fast. let it all hang out.been there.

    • hmmmm
      September 9, 2013

      u went to miss world and forgot to let yours loose :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :lol: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  21. Come one people Vote
    September 8, 2013

    Come one people Vote For our Girl!

    http://www.pageantology.net/

  22. DC
    September 8, 2013

    Looking wonderful! Love the confidence. Keep it up. You are a shining star.

    To those commenting on the hairstyle.. she looks fabulous. Your hairstyle should always compliment your attire. The wild look is for the photo shoot at beach. The hairstyle goes perfect with the dress.

    • Back&NeckBroth
      September 9, 2013

      Hear, hear and my sentiments exactly! :lol:

  23. ty
    September 8, 2013

    This young woman is really natural beauty, being in the contest she already a winner. Good luck and do the best you can.

  24. September 8, 2013

    Am bursting with excitement , wow BEAUTIFUL ! U go girl make us proud! Nuff love.

  25. 2 Cute
    September 8, 2013

    BTW to me Brazil fell 8-O

    Anyways I am so proud for our representation .

    Dca love u lassa , we there for u girl ! Make us proud :) …Wun Love..

    • derp
      September 8, 2013

      yes she fell boy I take kix on that LOL

    • Anonymous
      September 8, 2013

      I thought it was my imagination!!! But someone did fall!!!

  26. Positive Thinking.
    September 8, 2013

    We are ever so proud of you.Be assured of our prayers.for your and ours Success.Go girl the sky is the limit.

    • Anonymous
      September 9, 2013

      Why a thumbs down to this post??? Some people just love drama!

  27. forreal
    September 8, 2013

    she has already won,just being there says it all,i was moved by the introduction personal,saying (DOMINICA)i was like WOW.

  28. WHO VEX VEX
    September 8, 2013

    I am not being bias, I wish her all the best N i don’t know Y the hell she have her hair in one she looks much more beautiful with her hair loose, I did vote for her as DNO requested n we should all vote for her.

    She in the big leagues now so she have her work cut out for her.

    N put all country pride aside, I love to see Nigeria, South Africa and the Latinas, so those are the one she have to look out for

    • LO
      September 8, 2013

      where are we suppose to vote for her..can u plz post the link?

    • September 8, 2013

      Your name suits you right because people like you are always miserable and will never praise something but are oh so quick to find faults in others. Why didn’t you go and be a judge on the show nah? Right now we don’t need your comments. Just praise and congratulate the beautiful, oh so pretty and very educated young,very confident lady because she is doing something you will never get to do in your life.

    • CoconutIceCream
      September 9, 2013

      I really don’t see anything wrong with her hair style as contrary to people in Dominica’s belief, one can look elegant with their hair pulled back or let loose, [short or long], so she looked exquisitely alluring and enchanting in the her French bun hair pulled off her face.

      The opportune time for people to see her chiselled natural cheek bones and that smile is just too die for too.

      There are at least (7) segments that she’ll be judged on which will allow her to wear her hair “loose” just for you like it. :lol:

      I thought she looked stunning myself and beamed with pride while viewing with a colleague at work at our desk.

      Can wait to see the remainder of the pageant and let’s continue praying for Leslassa and send her lots of positive vibes. God bless Leslassa and Dominica! :-D :) :wink: :wink: :) :-D

    • Agreed
      September 9, 2013

      I made the same comment to my family yesterday. I honestly prefer if she let her hair down, I love to see her natural look.

  29. Karllen
    September 8, 2013

    I got goose bumps too. So proud of D/a being represented after such a long time. Go Leslassa!

  30. IAMDOMINICA
    September 8, 2013

    I got teary eyed just looking. my heart pounding with excitement, never imagined I would feel like that. I AM PROUD OF LASSA AND DOMINICA

  31. pB
    September 8, 2013

    beautiful so far,,,,remember out outstanding you looked in your swimsuit photo? hair out,curly and wild……beautiful…let it out!

  32. no no
    September 8, 2013

    Well people, the beauty of media is to report what is happening and to allow readers to express their opinion on news articles whether positive or NEGATIVE. There is a thin line between negativity and criticism which is essential to progress so stop being so tunnel vision.

    On this note I hated Leslassa’s hairstyle. international stage and one plait is just too ordinary. At least a ponytail would do nicely or some extensions to her natural hair. Hair looks more elegant, end of. Look how good the others looked and stately as well. She didn’t fit in. To hell with natural. She needs to make an effort. No one who enters a beauty pagaent is natural anyway as these contests in my opinion is superficial and shallow.

    We need to stop pressing on our words when we speak. Our listeners are not foolish. That ‘I AM’ before her intro gets to me. It sounds like Aye Arm. Watch miss Phillipines and Jamaica and Curacoa in their videos. They speak normal, fast but clear and no add ons. We try too hard. Hopefully, these points will be taken on board as like everyone else I really do wish her well in this pageant but personally I have a problem with the ‘I will just leave my hair as it is’. If natural is so important in pageants, why wear make up, jewellery or other beauty enhancers.

    • WiseTeen
      September 8, 2013

      Well i respect your view, but i feel as if we as people descendants of African/ Carib/caucasian people should embrace whatever hair we hv, one plait or not, the girl is a natural beauty and i’m proud, no extensions required

    • vee
      September 8, 2013

      Her natural hair is gorgeous. That is why we are saying let it out. do not pony tail it, no not make it smooth. ROCK THAT NATURAL AND WILD LOOK. make their heads turn. TRUST me on that one, Keep it natural curly and wild> GO Leslassa…u r the best

    • September 8, 2013

      What if she added extensions and halfway on the stage it falls…..then you would be one of the first commenting.

    • Anonymous
      September 8, 2013

      I totally agree. This type of hairstyle has never been used in miss world or any international pageants. She should put in some good quality remy human hair and at least try to fit in. This is no longer miss Dominica. In my opinion she got lost among the ladies. Her look was not one someone would remember. I really love her and I know she has the potential but who the hell is making the decision to send her on the world stage looking like she strolling in Roseau. The girl is brilliant but her chaperone needs some lessons in pageantry hairstyles. Dear chaperone please review all of the 63 miss world pageants and let me know when you find a comparable hairstyle. Wish you best of luck Lassa!!

    • Proud Dominican
      September 9, 2013

      Leslassa’s hair is beautiful she does NOT need extensions. Hair is not elegant, any gatay was can wear a weave or extension, how many of them can have as much poise and finesse as Lassa? It’s not what you wear it’s HOW you wear it.

      There was nothing wrong with her elocution. The ones who spoke fast were nervous and sounded like little girls. Lassa sounded mature and natural.

      Congratulations to Leslassa for representing Dominica as elegant, sophisticated and well rounded. And not an air head barbie doll as ‘No no’ would have her be.

      Team Lassa! You have my full support!

    • Anonymous
      September 9, 2013

      It seems you have no idea about international stage. One plait allows you to show your facial features clearly. Because her hair is full, if let loose it will hide part oof her face so for some appearances one plait is better. Before you grab a keyboard and go crazy research.

    • Anonymous
      September 9, 2013

      no no you feel you need extensions to look beautiful but obviously Lassa doesnt. you are free to contest with your horse hair now leave the natural beauty alone, dont hate appreciate. You free to comment negatively and Im free to put you straight, get with the program natural is here to stay.

    • made in dominica
      September 9, 2013

      and i will tell u straight i dislike your comment

  33. Patriotic Dominican
    September 8, 2013

    Make sure you people go on all the FB links and hit the like button for her.

  34. Mamize
    September 8, 2013

    was i the only one that saw Ms. Brazil fall and almost break her neck. 1:19 into video.
    Looking Good Dominica.

    • Anonymous
      September 9, 2013

      1:15

  35. PLEASED
    September 8, 2013

    I got chills looking at our representative. Good luck Leslassa. Stay safe; win, lose or draw you have my support.

  36. Anonymous
    September 8, 2013

    so sweet,feeling real proud you go les!

  37. Cyrique
    September 8, 2013

    Girl you made me cry!!! You look WONDERFUL.!!! You’re doing a marvellous job representing DOMINICA Were praying for you. Good luck sweetheart !!! God bless you and God bless DOMINICA. Dominicans please go on line and support her!!!!! The link is there DNO gave it to us !!!!

  38. Team Leslassa
    September 8, 2013

    Such an amazing young lady. Dominica is getting some great international publicity. Good stuff, good stuff. Please keep liking and sharing her photos on your page/Facebook pages to promote her as well as making her the Viewers choice. Miss World already complementing us/her for being the contestant with the most support from her people. Excellent work my fellow Dominicans.

    • Anonymous
      September 9, 2013

      Well done Team leslassa, you are making us all proud. Very good exposure for Dominica on the world stage

  39. Kevin
    September 8, 2013

    Goose Bumps Goose Bumps Goose Bumps :):):) I am watching it all for the third time :):):) finally, after thirty five years; I remember when Mona Jno Lewis of Grand Represented Dominica in 1978, I was 8 and she was my neighbour in Grand Bay. Leslassa, you make Dominica and all Dominicans Proud by simply representing, you have all my support in prayer and well wishes… :)

  40. precious
    September 8, 2013

    there is still time to vote http://www.pageantology.net/ help suport one of our own :-D :)

    • Precious
      September 8, 2013

      When you get to the site, scroll down and click on Dominica.
      Then scroll down again and click on vote. Thank you very much for your support :)

  41. yup
    September 8, 2013

    Wish u all the best my girl. You look beautiful

  42. me
    September 8, 2013

    hang out with the contestants who seem to get the most air time. Some countries seem to get more interviews and pics because of their countries eg Miss Indonesia, China, England, USA and the Latinas.
    Keep representing, YOU’RE DOING GREAT.

    YOUR HAIR IS YOUR TRADE MARK,,,,LET IT LOOSE. U HAVE A UNIQUE LOOK WITH YOUR HAIR OUT

  43. me
    September 8, 2013

    let your hair loose, more hair more height, more stage presence, YOU ARE A BOMBSHELL ON THAT STAGE…keep representing

    • Bernadine
      September 8, 2013

      Yes she certainly is. Blessings to her.

  44. Da
    September 8, 2013

    one more advice, you need to hang around the ladies who get more air time. there are always contestants that are more video taped because of their countries. Eg miss Indonesia and China, England, USA, and the latinos. Just keep representing, you are doing extremely well. 100% on board with you. Don’t forget to let out that hair……Keep doing your best. Leslass to the world….Miss World 2013

  45. Da
    September 8, 2013

    Please let out your hair as much as possible, because it makes you stand out, not one else with that look, plus it will give you more height and greater over all impact. One plat is ordinary, your beautiful wavy hair is very outstanding and unique. Great job so far.
    Dominica to the world…..goooooo Leslassa

    • Justice and Truth
      September 9, 2013

      She must be saving her “long hair look” for later as also for the night of the Pageant. IA variety of hair styles is appropriate to project her in different hair styles.

  46. TheGUY
    September 8, 2013

    Why is DNO reporting the negativity going on with the show? Shouldn’t you’ll be showing SUPPORT for this young woman who stepped up to represent her COUNTRY, little or no thanks to the Gov’?? Shouldn’t you’ll be reporting on that for the least? Show some pride and patriotism!

    • An Observer
      September 8, 2013

      DNO was right by letting reader know the external factors taking place. This is what reporting is about. The ‘opinionated’ reporting is for the people who comment.

    • Cyrique
      September 9, 2013

      Girl you made me cry!!! You look WONDERFUL.!!! You’re doing a marvellous job representing DOMINICA Were praying for you. Good luck sweetheart !!! God bless you and God bless DOMINICA. Dominicans please go on line and support her!!!!! The link is there DNO gave it to us !!!!

    • Cyrique
      September 9, 2013

      You are the negative force in this debate. The news of Indonesia’s attitude towards the pageant was world wide news. DNO is always the first to let us know what’s going on in the world. Well done DNO!!! We’re right in there with the rest of the world. Why on earth did you have to mention the Gov? Lets enjoy Lesassa’s glory, think positively, support her on line and pray for her to BRING THE CROWN HOME TO DA!!! GOD BLESS DOMINICA

  47. Toomatoe Tomato
    September 8, 2013

    Dominica, Dominica, more of that is all we need; representing Dominica in the correct way. Lifting us up, not bringing us down.

    We are supporting Dominica and Miss Leslassa Armour-Shillingford. Do your very best that is all we ask we are already very proud of you by your being there.

  48. well yes!
    September 8, 2013

    MS Dominica to DA world! Go Lesssssaaaa
    We LOVE you girl!

    You are the only one that could have represented Dominica with such Class and Intelligence!!!!

    BEST QUEEN EVER!!!! DON”T CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS!!

  49. AHA
    September 8, 2013

    Da was looking hott!!!!

  50. Anonymous
    September 8, 2013

    Go DA, Go DA, Go DA, Go….. We routing for you Leslassa

  51. Marcus Hill
    September 8, 2013

    Let down your hair for the next round!

  52. me
    September 8, 2013

    I GOT THE CHILL EVEN BEFORE I LOOKED.. DAMN!!! THATS WICKED!!!!!!

  53. sexy
    September 8, 2013

    go d/a go so sweet :-D

  54. canada
    September 8, 2013

    So Proud to see Dominica being represented, to bad Dominicans are not more supportive, through social media, like other countries are. If its something negative some would be so quick to comment. Good luck doll.

    • young d/a guy
      September 8, 2013

      your so right I keep saying that all the time just look how many people taking part in the negative things but that ok we a going to make it and this days Dominicans a to busy with god knows what somany your Dominicans doing good things out there all I have to see to them is keep on doing there best and thay need to know there best is going to pay off one day one love to D/A

  55. made in dominica
    September 8, 2013

    omg miss dominica u give me chills

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