A beauty pageant winner has resigned her position in mysterious circumstances ? citing personal reasons and urging other youngsters to be careful in the company they keep.

Alneisha Outerbridge, 14, announced her decision to step down as Miss Teen Bermuda Islands 2006 at a press conference yesterday.

The CedarBridge Academy student, who was the youngest person to receive the title, told media assembled at the Bermuda Underwater Institute: "It is difficult as I resign my position as Miss Teen Bermuda Islands because of personal circumstances.

"I would like to offer a word of advice to both my male and female peers to be wise, cautious and conscious of the decisions you make and the company you keep."

Alneisha, who was also Miss Photogenic 2006, said after winning the pageant in August that she hoped to be looked upon as a good role model. Yesterday she thanked her mother and grandmother for their support and praised Tee'L Productions.

Contest organiser Tee'L Smith said the pageant committee respected the teenager's privacy and asked the media and the public to do likewise.

He said afterwards he could not divulge details of why Alneisha, who represented Pembroke West, resigned but it had never happened before and was "an unusual circumstance" which came as a surprise to him.

He stressed that she contacted him to say she was stepping down. "She just felt that she needed to resign because of personal reasons. It was a decision she made."

Mr. Smith added: "Like she said in her farewell speech, if that's what it can be called, the decisions you make are very important. I think we all make bad decisions in life.

"She is very articulate and has great confidence. Naturally we are disappointed. Of course we would like for her to have been able to fulfil her role but life goes on and unfortunately she can't."

Sixteen-year-old Selita Crockwell, first runner-up and Miss Congeniality in the pageant, was crowned the new Miss Teen Bermuda Islands 2006.

The Bermuda Institute pupil said it was with honour and pride that she accepted. "As Miss Teen Bermuda Islands, I will do my best to uphold and project the attributes of womanhood for which this contest stands.

"I will also be campaigning for an end to youth violence, which was my platform topic. I feel that youth violence is a hindrance to some of our youth's growth in Bermuda. Ask yourself, if one person can make a difference, why can't I?

"And if one person can make a difference, imagine what a community can do. So let's get together and reach out to our youth."

Cleopatra Rose was given the title of Miss Photogenic 2006.