“The security plan is being put into place to show the world that Ecuador is ready for the pageant,” police Gen. Rodrigo Hinojosa said at a news conference. The extra police protection will begin May 2 for events leading up to the final on June 1. In addition to beauty queens, the police will protect their entourages, judges, journalists and tourists, Hinojosa said. Foreign Trade Minister Ivonne Baki hopes that promoting Ecuador ahead of the beauty contest will attract investment and tourism to the South American country. In preparation for the event, the municipality is scrambling to refurbish dozens of streets, parks and plazas across this capital city.
