Puerto Rico Out of Miss World
Stephanie Del Valles reacts to the news that she had won Miss World 2016
Last year, Miss Puerto Rico, Stephanie Del Valle became the 2nd ever woman from her island territory to be crowned Miss World in Washington, D.C. Forty one years after Lady Wilnelia Forsyth (nee Merced) took home the top prize in 1975, the blue crown finally came back to Puerto Rico. This year, when Del Valle steps on stage to crown her success, there will be no Miss Puerto Rico. Due to the devastating effects of two hurricanes, which ravaged the island within a week, the Miss World Puerto Rico organizers had to make a tough decision. Following discussions with the Miss World Organisations, it was decided that given the current situation in Puerto Rico, it would be best to withdraw from this year's competition and they have been removed from the list of contestants who will participate.
Wilnelia Forsyth when she won Miss World 1975
Though it will not be the first time that the home sash of the reigning queen is not seen at Miss World, it will be the first time in 40 years that it is happening. Let's take a look at some facts from the Miss World archives:
* Neither Miss World 1954, Antigone Costanda, or an Egyptian delegate showed up to Miss World 1955 due to the conflict between Egypt and the United Kingdom.
* When Finland's first Miss World, Martia Lindahl, crowned her successor in 1958, no Miss Finland was present at the contest. The same happened in 1967 when India withdrew from the pageant after their delegate, Reita Faria, won the previous year.
* Grenada won the Miss World crown in a rather controversial way in 1970 and when Jennifer Hosten returned the next year, she was still the only Miss Grenada to have competed at Miss World.
* In 1976, Jamaica took home the top prize when Cindy Breakspeare was crowned the 26th Miss World. In protest of a white South African at the contest, several contestants withdrew and there was no Miss Jamaica in sight in 1977.
Two hurricanes battered Puerto Rico within a week
Global Beauties has a special message for our Puerto Rican friends. We are extremely saddened by the recent tragedy that has hit your beautiful island. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and we sincerely hope that Puerto Rico will recover from this very soon. May you emerge from these hardships stronger and better than ever before.