Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Dahlia Smith and Ransford Davidson took the titles of Ms. and Mr. JN Group at the coronation held at the Chinese Benevolent Association, Old Hope Road, last Sunday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
DAHLIA SMITH and Ransford Davidson were crowned the first Ms. and Mr. Jamaica National Group at the coronation last Sunday.
The Chinese Benevolent Association rocked with the cheers and hoots of the audience who clearly had their favourites. Some even brought banners to support their contestant.
Ms. Smith, who wore the sash Ms. JN Money Transfer, also won Most Congenial, Most Articulate (Female) and Best Dressed (Female). Davidson, representing JN's May Pen branch, won five sectional prizes, including Most Talented, Best Personality (Male) and Best Deportment (Male). It seemed as if all of May Pen came to cheer for him. By the time the finalists were decided, it was a foregone conclusion.
CELESTIAL DECOR
The show started with a vibrant opening dance from the contestants. There were some concerns about whether the stage would hold up, but no arguments about the decor. With the theme 'Reach For The Stars', designs of celestial bodies adorned every corner and crevice, providing a lovely backdrop.
The cheers and laughter increased with the parade of the sportswear. The contestants went all out getting their gear together and almost every sport was represented. The artistic showcase (talent section) truly demonstrated their creative abilities. Most showed their vocal skills, but the pieces, including a few original speeches, were varied.
The evening wear section brought more whistles and cheers as the finalists' ensembles were well chosen. The ladies were then serenaded by the flawless Michael Harris, and the gents by Velia Espeut.
By now the audience was enraptured by the show and things got even better with the surprise performance of Richie Stephens. The walls, already creaking from the conundrum inside, nearly gave way when he performed Take Me Away and Luther Vandross' I'd Rather.
Joyette Johnson took three sectional prizes, including Most Aware (Female), while the Staff Vote Award (where JN employees selected their favourite) went to Nicholle Duffus and Haylayu Bell.
