On Thursday afternoon from 12- 4:30 the contestants had to present their National HIV/AIDS Awareness projects which was worth a total of 800 points. This in my opinion is the most important aspect of the pageant. This is the opportunity for the contestants to show how they could use they beauty and intelligence to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS discrimination against people living with HIV or AIDS.

I have to admit that generally they all did well but there were a few bright sparks who shone out from among the others.

One contestant plagurised an entire project, changed the name and re branded it to make it her own. Well I hope that that contestant didnt think they could get away with it because I surfed the net and downloaded the very same project and left it up to the panel of judges to decide what to do with that particular contestant who tried to fool the director of the National HIV/AIDS Commission. Isn't it amazing the things that some people do? Needless to say that contestant is no longer with us.

This is a pageant where honesty and integrity must reign supreme. Below are some of the outstanding ORIGINAL projects presented  by the contestants:

Emerald Forde - presented an insightful and innovative proposal which is geared toward the hearing impaired and it was extremely well received as members of the judging panel stated that there were no such campaigns which targeted that demographic group. Emerald's passion and commitment to being an advocate for the death was mesmerizing. When he was asked why he wanted to be an advocate for the death he reply was simple. He said, "because I want to be the voice of the voiceles!"

Karla Yearwood - presented a project based on research and dealt with the use of the arts and culture in changing behavioural patterns. 

Akil Ifil - Television Series "Positive Lives" Akil's first episode covered an interview with Sade Leon-Slinger the HIV/AIDS Officer from the Ministry of Health who outlined how important it is to get tested.

Natalie Griffith - Audio Book - this audio book will certainly be the talk of the town for time to come. Natalie created an interactive audio book which can be used in school, church or among community groups. Its information is very insightful and ends with an audio play about fighting HIV/AIDS Discrimination.

Fabian Bartlett - HIV/AIDS Awareness Credit Course at Barbados Community College & The University of The West Indies Cave Hill Campus.

Shakeria White - Clothing line was a huge success. Using the National HIV/AIDS  Commission slogan 'STAY SAFE LOVE LIFE' and phrases from the song penned by Stephanie Chase 'WE ALL MUST LIVE' Shakeria created a stylish t-shirt line which was bold, visible and thought provoking. 

Sabrina Estwick's project will see her going into schools and using her talent of singing to minister to the young people. 

Anyway when all was said and done only two people could be awarded with the Beauty With A Purpose award but a total of Four contestants will have their projects implemented.

The winners will be announced on September 15th at Sherbourne Conference Centre at the Finale of Mr. & Miss Barbados World 2007.