CONTESTANTS in this year's Miss Teen Bermuda Islands competition won't be kept nervously waiting for the final decision ? or at least not for as long as they have been in the past.

Logic Communications Ltd. has donated a laptop for each judge, in order to hasten the process of naming the winning queen.

"For the first time, everything will be computerised for scoring," explained the pageant's promoter / organiser, Terry Smith. "Logic is providing laptops for the judges. It will eliminate the process of the long wait for the final tally. They will bring us up to date with the Miss USA and the Miss Universe pageants and should be a big hit because they will save us time."

The accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, will tabulate the final score.

The contest is scheduled for August 14 at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Theatre. Deadline for entry is Tuesday, June 14. Nine girls have entered the pageant so far.

Asked if he thought similar competitions on the island ? Bermuda Idol, Miss Talented Teen ? could be luring away potential entrants, Mr. Smith said "no".

"I think that we all promote different aspects of the teen. Bermuda Idol promotes talent. Miss Talented Teen promotes talent. We have a prize for talent. We have a prize for the most photogenic teenager and we have a prize for the overall winner, which is partially based on their platform and interviews with the judges.

"So we're looking for a role model; a girl of intellect who can speak well. We encourage girls of all types, of all personalities to come on board."

q Entry forms are available at La Trattoria Shop and All in One Boutique, in the Washington Mall. Forms must be submitted by 6.45 p.m. on June 14, on the 2nd floor of the BIU building on Court Street. Contestants must be at least 13 and no older than 17, on August 14. For more information, telephone 337-5552.