Zimbabwe’s hopes of flying its flag at the 75th Miss Universe pageant have been thrown into uncertainty after Roseanna Hall encountered United States visa challenges that delayed her scheduled departure for Puerto Rico.
Hall was expected to travel on Sunday, November 8, to join contestants from across the world ahead of the international beauty pageant, which is set to culminate in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 24.
However, the Zimbabwean beauty queen took to her social media platforms on Sunday to announce that she had been unable to depart as planned, citing American visa complications that have disrupted months of preparation for the global competition.
In a statement shared with her followers, Hall revealed that although she was scheduled to leave for Puerto Rico, the visa challenges had temporarily stalled her journey. She, however, maintained that efforts to secure the necessary travel clearance were still ongoing.
“Today, I was meant to leave for Puerto Rico to represent Zimbabwe at the 75th Miss Universe. Unfortunately, American visa challenges have delayed that journey, but the fight is not over,” she said.
Hall disclosed that the Zimbabwean Government, individuals, various stakeholders and the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisation and board were working to facilitate the approval of her visa, expressing appreciation for the support and efforts being made on her behalf.
“However, the fight is not over. The Zimbabwean Government, individuals, stakeholders, Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisation and board have been tirelessly working with me to get this visa approved, and I want to thank them for their efforts so far,” said Hall.
The beauty queen also acknowledged the support she has received since the beginning of her journey, urging her followers to remain hopeful as she works towards fulfilling her international assignment.
“After months of preparation, I am not giving up. I remain confident that God who began a good work in me will bring it to completion,” she added.
The visa setback comes at a critical stage of the Miss Universe preparations, with contestants expected to arrive in Puerto Rico between November 7 and 10 for registration, orientation and other pre-pageant activities.
The pageant’s calendar includes the National Costume showcase on November 21, followed by the semi-finals on November 22, ahead of the grand finale on November 24.
Hall, who was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe in Harare in June this year, was expected to compete against representatives from different countries for the coveted international crown, bringing Zimbabwe’s representation to the global stage.
Her delayed departure has consequently placed her participation under uncertainty, with the outcome of the visa application likely to determine whether she will be able to join the other contestants in time for the scheduled activities.
Meanwhile, Hall has indicated that she remains committed to the journey, with further communication on the matter expected in the coming days.
