Larissa Ramos because my country produces a lot of air pollution as well." Ramos, 20 years old at the time of the event, was crowned the Miss Earth 2009 during the coronation night at the Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center in Boracay Island, besting 79 other beauties from around the world. She succeeded Miss Earth 2008 winner Karla Henry from the Philippines. Miss Earth 2009 winner's court included Philippines' Sandra Seifert, 25, who was named "Miss Air" (1st Runner-up), Venezuela's Jessica Barboza, 22, was hailed "Miss Water" (2nd Runner-up), and Alejandra Echevarria, 20, of Spain got the title "Miss Fire" (3rd
Christmas Island Resort formally opened as the Christmas Island Casino and Resort on 18 December 1993. As envisaged, the casino catered mainly to a wealthy Asian clientele, with most of its patrons flying in from Jakarta, often by private jet. Business was facilitated by the Australian government, which issued special short-term visas for Christmas Island. Initially the resort ran at a profit, with most revenue coming from the casino. However, after 1994, CIR made losses. The resort was badly affected by the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-98, and it suspended operations on 23 April 1998. On 28 July 1998 the Australian Minister for