Former Miss Puerto Rico Loses Miss Universe Franchise

The Miss Universe Organization has removed the Puerto Rico's Miss Universe franchise from former Miss Puerto Rico (1995), Desiree Lowry, and her business partner, Luis Vigoreaux. Lowry represent Puerto Rico at Miss Universe 1995 in Namibia and placed in the top 6. She has been running the Miss Universe Puerto Rico Pageant since 2009. Puerto Rico, a Miss Universe powerhouse in years gone by, has only placed 4 times in their last nine outings at Miss Universe, much to the dismay of Puerto Rican fans. Lowry released the following statement, "I will always be proud of our achievements and candidates, all worthy representatives of Puerto Rico." I am grateful to have had the assignment, and although sad, positive with my current projects, I trust that the best is yet to come, I will not give more statements at the moment. " WAPA-TV is the new franchise holders of the Miss Universe Puerto Rico Pageant.