At the conclusion of the grand finale of Miss Universe United States Virgin Islands 2017 which took place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Boca Raton, Florida on 7th October 2017, Esonica Veira was crowned as Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands 2017. She will now represent U.S. Virgin Islands in the 66th edition of Miss Universe competition scheduled to take place on 26th November 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She succeeds Miss US Virgin Islands 2016 winner Carolyn Carter Heller.
At the same event, Aria Garcia and Joanne Jeffers declared as first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.
Esonica is 28 years of age and stands tall at a height of 173 cm. She currently works as a model and a stylist. She has substantial experience of competing in international pageants.
She participated in Miss U.S. Virgin Islands Universe 2011 where she ended up as the first runner-up. She then represented her country in Miss World 2011 where she was placed amongst Top 15 finalists. Later, she was appointed to represent U.S. Virgin Islands in Miss Supranational 2013, where she was placed amongst Top 5 finalists. And then next year, she was appointed to represent U.S. Virgin Islands in Miss Earth 2014, where she won two gold medals, but could not place amongst the finalists.
In addition, she has won other minor contests in her country such as Miss Hal Jackson's Virgin Islands Talented Teen 2005, Miss Hal Jackson's International Talented Teen 2005, Miss America's Outstanding Teen Talent 2006 and Miss Virgin Islands Carnival Queen 2007.
After winning the title, Esonica expressed her gratitude by saying, “"I am more passionate now more than ever to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Miss Universe pageant because it will give me an amazing opportunity to reach out to the masses in promoting two of my platforms which are very important to me”.
“I think becoming Miss Universe U.S Virgin Islands will allow me to bring much-needed coverage to our islands to make our issues known to the mainstream media and worldwide. Now is the time for mankind to stand together for what is important." She furthur said.
US Virgin Islands has never won the title of Miss Universe.
Do you think Esonica Veira, being the winner of many pageants, will be able to win the crown for her country?