By Kandré McDonald, Freelance Writer
The newly crowned Miss Jamaica Independence, Crystal Wilson, is flanked by first runner-up Gracie-Ann Watson (right) and second runner up Natalie Nomdar Khom.
- CARLINGTON WILMOT/Freelance Photographer
THE MISS Jamaica Independence Beauty Pageant Grand Coronation Show, which was staged at the Girl Guides' Headquarters on Waterloo Road, Kingston, on Saturday was fairly well organised even though the show went well beyond the expected time of conclusion.
The show comprised four segements, the first was the introduction of the contestants, then the swimwear segment followed by talent pieces and later the wearing of evening gowns.
The segments were dominated by Crystal Wilson and Gracie-Ann Watson who snatched up all the sectional prizes between them and were placed first and second respectively at the conclusion of the proceedings.
WELL APPRECIATED
Gracie-Ann emerged the winner of the talent segment with her original piece Tourist Harrassment. Her dialogue with lines like: "when yuh lif' up yuh arm all mosquito haffi yawn" and "yuh breath buss through building and jump over wall", when cursing the tourists was well appreciated by the audience and the judges. The talent segment had the audience erupting from time to time.
The sectional prizes including 'Best Legs', 'Most Aware', 'Most Photogenic' and 'Best Overall in each Category' went to Crystal Wilson, while Gracie-Ann Watson capped the 'Best Figure', and 'Most Congenial' prizes added to the prize for her talent piece.
The contest began with eleven contestants and was first narrowed down to eight then five contestants. In the end the top three was named by MC Deon Mattis after what seemed to be extensive calculations by the statistician that accompanied the four judges.
GIVEN A SASH
The top three finishers were each given a sash. The third place finisher, Natalie Nomdar Khom, was crowned Miss Jamaica Culture 2004, Gracie-Ann Watson's second place finish earned her the Miss Jamaica Heritage 2004 title, while the winner, Crystal Wilson, was given the coveted Miss Jamaica Independence 2004 crown.
Gracie-Ann Watson told The Gleaner that all the contestants were winners. She said however that she was a bit suprised with her placing.
"I wasn't the judge and if they see me placing second then I will have to accept it. They are the one judging, I cannot judge myself," she explained. "I was surprised at the winner and shocked that I didn't win, but I don't know how to explain it. Myself and Crystal are friends and I carry no grudge as she did her best and she performed well throughout the competition," she added.
VERY SURPRISED
Like Gracie-Ann, Crystal was very surprised with her placing and added that it was a dream come true.
"I was very surprised that I emerged the winner because the competition was tight. I saw Gracie-Ann Watson and Carlene Davis as being prospective winners but I am happy I was because this is a childhood dream come true. I had faith that I would do well and prayed that I would," she said.
With her title, Crystal Wilson hopes to reach out to the youth of the country and work with the Lady Musgrave Girls Home, as well as a number of other ventures. For now she is still enjoying her success.
