27/09/2026
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In our first Pageant History post we take a look back at the phenomenon that was . 10 years ago, on September 10, 2016, Rebecca Rath Hines - "Bex" - of Dangriga, Belize was crowned Miss Belize 2016 and was set to represent Belize at Miss Universe in January of 2017 in the Philippines. It was also 10 years since Belize last competed at Miss Universe - Maria Jeffery in 2007.
I don't know what you all remember from that time period. But it was highly emotional - very high highs and low lows. That said, we're choosing to look back and remembering the highs. Bex and her hashtag and became incredibly popular - both in Belize and internationally in the pageant world. Her charisma, her genuine aura all made people gravitate towards her. Back then this page was known as Belize Pageant Updates (we recently came back and rebranded as Miss Belize News after a break). It felt like every post we made about Bex went viral. This photo we created so Belizeans could use as a temporary profile pic to show support. This photo was everywhere.
Funny how people still question what relevance pageants have in Belize. That entire Miss Universe season brought this country together. Everyone was . Fan voting had to be done via Twitter and accounts had to have a certain number of followers. We spent many nights for weeks getting Belizeans on Twitter and doing follow campaigns so everyone had enough followers. Belizeans took over Twitter. It was fun.
It's been 10 years and international pageant fans still talk about Bex. She is still known as the delegate who was cheated out of a placement in 2016. The pageant that year had a top 13. In many circles - still - she is considered as the 14th semifinalist. Pageant fans are like sports fans, they keep track of history and records. The hashtag is still very popular 10 years later. Thanks to Bex.
Bex accomplished so much in so little time and with little help. Many stepped up behind the scenes to assist however they could. Her parents, Tony Rath and Therese Rath were incredible. Thank you, Bex! We hope you realize now that you walked away with something bigger and more meaningful than a crown. We will place again at Miss Universe some day. Heck, we may even yet win the crown. But no matter what, Rebecca "Bex" Rath will still have her place in Belizean and regional pageant history.
