On Sunday, the Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee (VIFFC) announced that Smith will reign as Miss BVI until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the 2020 staging of Miss British Virgin Islands competition.
“We released a statement today August 2nd that Bria would be the 66th Miss BVI and that has to do with the COVID-19 pandemic still having an effect on the Virgin Islands and our surrounding countries,” Acting Chairman of the VIFFC Khalid Frett told BVI News.
He added: “We also know that it brings some kind of history to the BVI as we have never had a Miss BVI reign for two consecutive years. It is not that we wanted to set history but based on all of the factors, it was the best thing to do at this time.”
Frett also said the decision to extend Smith’s reign was one that was collectively made by the Festival Committee’s executive board.
“For us to make any decision we have to have a quorum of at least a minimum of seven persons. This decision was also made in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Miss BVI Sub-Committee,” he explained.
Frett also wished Smith a happy 27th birthday which she celebrates today, August 3. He further encouraged businesses in the territory to lend assistance where possible to help in her renewed reign as queen.
“We are asking the community to also partner with Miss BVI if she comes to you and ask for support, whether financial or even services or products,” he said.
Smith was first crowned the 65th Miss BVI in 2019 inside the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town on Sunday, August 4.