Beauty queens plant tree at Botanical Gardens |27 April 2015

Miss World 2014 contestants from Seychelles, Australia, United States of America (USA) and Tanzania each planted an Ixora Pudica tree – an endemic plant – at the Botanical Gardens yesterday.

After showcasing the spirit of beauty with a purpose concept during the fifth Carnaval International de Victoria parade on Saturday, Miss Australia 2014 Courtney Thorpe, Miss Tanzania Happiness Watimanywa, Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit and Miss Seychelles Camila Estico planted the Ixora Pudica trees under a bright sun.

Present were the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St Ange and chief executives of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Sherin Naiken and the National Botanicals Gardens Foundation (NGBF) Raymond Brioche.

In a short remark for the occasion, Minister St Ange said it is an honour to have the Miss World 2014 contestants here in Seychelles which showcases the different approach that his ministry has taken to have faces of countries represented here during the Carnaval International de Victoria.

He thanked Mr Brioche for working in collaboration with the STB and also welcomed the spirit of togetherness.

The foreign beauty queens expressed their happiness for being here and thanked all Seychellois for their hospitality. They said the tree is a reminder of their time here.

Each contestant received books on the coco-de-mer and festivals of Seychelles from the two chief executives.