The Miss Dominican Republic organization hosted the 2021 edition of the national pageant on 7th November 2021 at the Sambil Events Room, where stunning delegates from all over the country competed against each other for the coveted crown and an opportunity to represent Dominican Republic at Miss Universe 2021. At the end of the event, Andrei´na Martinez was crowned as the new queen as she succeeded Miss Dominican Republic 2020 Kimberly Marie Jiménez Rodríguez for the title.
In a recent development, unfortunately, Andreina will no longer be able to compete at the 70th Miss Universe pageant as she was tested positive for Covid-19. Consequently, the national organization has recently announced that she will be replaced by Miss Dominican Republic 2021 first runner-up Debbie Aflalo to represent the country at Miss Universe 2021.
Acknowledging the same, Debbie took her social media to express, “I feel such a great emotion to know that I have the responsibility to represent all of you in the universe, however I am moved by the fact that Andreina Martinez is going through this unfortunate situation having been infected with COVID, I know that with the help of God and the doctors you will come out of this, you are a strong and dedicated woman, I could notice it in our coexistence as roommates, how beautiful our connection. I wish you a speedy recovery and I remain at your service in whatever way I can help you.”
Debbie Aflalo is currently a professional model and is studying MBA in International Trade. She is also a graduate in Diplomacy and International Relations. The desire that led her to participate in the Miss Dominican Republic Universe was to place her beautiful country at the top and make it known in all corners of the world as well as projecting her modeling career to a more professional level. If elected as the new representative of the country, she would give everything as Oscar de la Renta for her country, she would break schemes and act with that perseverance as well as her role model to bring the second Miss Universe crown to her beloved Dominican Republic.
“I promise that I will give my all for everything on your behalf and on behalf of the whole country to bring the second crown of the miss universe! With God, I'm not going to let you down. God's time is perfect. Thank you all for your messages and comments full of a lot of support, but above all a lot of love,” she added.
Earlier this year, Miss Dominican Republic 2020 Kimberly Marie Jiménez Rodríguez represented Dominican Republic at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant, where she won a special award and was placed among the Top 4. Debbie now will soon head on to represent the country at Miss Universe 2021 to be held on 12th December 2021 in Eilat, Israel. Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza of Mexico will crown her successor at the end of the event.