NBD’s Samantha Bazil of Wesley, pledges to promote culture with Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 title

The National Bank of Dominica (NBD) has publicly celebrated a landmark achievement for one of its core team members this week, as Samantha Bazil, a Wesley-based accountant employed by the national financial institution, claimed the coveted 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet title at the official pageant hosted at the Massacre indoor facility. Bazil stood out among the full roster of contestants to take home not only the top overall crown but also two standout specialty honors: the Best in Wob Dwiyet award, which recognizes exceptional embodiment of traditional Dominican cultural attire, and the fan-voted People’s Choice Award, a testament to widespread public support for her campaign. In an official public statement, NBD leadership extended warm, enthusiastic congratulations to their longstanding staff member, noting that the entire bank community takes immense pride in celebrating her hard-earned victory. Moments after being crowned, Bazil shared her immediate reaction with local media, emphasizing that her triumph is far from a personal individual milestone. “This win does not belong to me alone – it is a victory for every member of Team NBD,” she shared, referencing the consistent encouragement she received from her colleagues throughout her pageant preparation journey. She went on to acknowledge the months of rigorous, demanding work that led to her final success, noting that every hour of effort was made worthwhile by the outpouring of community and workplace support that carried her across the finish line. Looking ahead to her one-year reign, Bazil has laid out clear, community-focused priorities centered on elevating Dominican Creole cultural visibility in her home northeastern district. She has pledged to create more accessible pathways for young people across the region to participate in future Wob Dwiyet pageants, ensuring that more local communities get the chance to send representatives to showcase their culture on the national stage. The 2026 pageant also recognized a strong cohort of other top performers: Deniscia Laurent of Petite Soufriere took the first runner-up position, sweeping three additional awards including Best Performing Talent, Best in Creole Spectacular Wear, and Miss Photogenic. Ta-Donna Cornelius, a Portsmouth resident, claimed the third-place spot, while Roseau’s Addisa Jno Baptiste rounded out the top four contestants.