Dominican Republic says no to hosting Miss Universe 2012

DONALD TRUMP & LEILA LOPES

The government of the Dominican Republic decided not to host the Miss Universe 2012 pageant in December. Several days ago, it was reported that the country would be the venue for the annual pageant, but yesterday the Dominican government said "No" to the the pageant's owner, American magnate Donald Trump. Several sources related to the Dominican Ministry of Tourism confirmed the information on the Internet.

Apparently, the country would have to spend approximately 16 million U.S. dollars (623 million Dominican pesos) - an amount that the government is unable to offer for the moment. 

Previously, the country of South Africa had been reported to host the 61st edition of Miss Universe, but the pageant organization could only confirm the month of December. The official hosting country will be announced by the end of July. The Bahamas, which hosted the pageant in 2009, seems to be the strong "favorite" to host the 2012 pageant. 

SOURCE: Translated from the original Spanish, El Vocero.com, 6/20/2012