‘I Wouldn’t Put Myself in a Situation to Hurt My Country’, Says New MUB Director

The new foreign ownership of the Miss Universe Belize franchise should not overshadow one priority, says the new national director for Miss Universe Belize (MUB), Destiny Wagner. Instead, she says, it is to give Belizean women the best chance to compete on the world stage

Speaking for the first time since her appointment, Wagner told News 5, “It was definitely not something that I had on my vision board this year, but I’m a firm believer that when an opportunity comes your way, it wouldn’t have come your way if it weren’t meant for you.”

Her decision came with a level of criticism surrounding the franchise’s transfer to an El Salvador-based production company. However, Wagner said it is not unusual for international pageant franchises to be owned by organisations based outside the countries they represent. 

“I don’t think that international or foreign investment is a bad thing when it comes to building local talent here. A lot of pageants in Miss Universe or Miss Earth have franchisees that don’t live in that country but own the franchise, but what they bring is valuable resources that the young women can benefit from. So I know that I am the face of this, but I wouldn’t put myself in a situation to deteriorate or hurt these young delegates or my country. I have Belize’s best interests at heart, and I always will,” Wagner said.

Although the offer came as a surprise and she initially hesitated at taking on the task, Wagner said the company’s vision ultimately convinced her to accept the role.

“I got reached out to the day before they announced me as the National Director of Miss Universe, the night before I signed my contract,” Wagner added.

Meanwhile, former director Destinee Arnold had previously said she plans to fight to reclaim it in 2027.

In the meantime, the search for Belize’s next Miss Universe representatives begins with a casting call scheduled for July 4th at the Belize Pilates between 8AM and 2PM. Wagner said that the national pageant is expected to take place in mid-August and the International Miss Universe competition in November.