Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
Terri-Karelle Griffith, Miss Jamaica World 2005 (centre) is flanked from left by Ravn Rae (4th placed), Peta-Gaye Walker (2nd placed), Nalini Banhan (3rd placed) and Sharice Fernander (5th placed).Grand Coronation Show, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston yesterday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
TERRI-KARELLE GRIFFITH, in all her beauty and grace, elegantly sauntered down the catwalk, as she did her Ms. Jamaica World 2005 victory strut, holding dearly to her bouquet.
After finally getting her crown under control, she gracefully smiled and thanked everyone in hushed tones, while she and the other finalists posed for the cameras. Griffith also won the Talent Award.
The first runner-up was Peta-Gaye Walker, who won the Diet Ting Beach Beauty and the Libresse Sports awards. Third place went to Nalini Banhan, who won the public vote and placed second in the talent contest, while Ravn Rae placed fourth. The fifth finalist was Sharice Fernander, who had her fair share of applause during the contest.
When The Gleaner spoke to Griffith after the event, she said she was honoured to be named Ms. Jamaica World. She said she had just gone with the flow as her decision to enter came at the last minute. "I'm ready and I believe I'm a genuine person, I love Jamaica and I'm glad for the opportunity to represent Jamaica. I hope the country will embrace me and allow me to show the world the positive side of Jamaica. I can't wait to get started."
HER BOYFRIEND
Her boyfriend, Evon Reid Jr, was also at the event sharing in her triumph. "I'm extremely proud and happy that she's my lady. I was rooting for her from the beginning. She is a wonderful and extraordinary person and her smile lights up the place anywhere she goes."
The 15 finalists had earlier displayed their brains and brawn in various segments, including swimwear (sponsored by PHAX from Training Camp), evening wear (sponsored by Uzuri International) and the question-and-answer. Prior to the competition the girls were extensively trained in hair, make-up, dance, the model walk, speech and public speaking and they did exercise routines. They were finally judged on their beauty, figure, deportment, charm, personality, intelligence, ability to converse and the ability to be an inspiration to the young.
Some of the most memorable dresses on Sunday were worn by Francine Pinnock (a low bottom-crack revealer), Ravn Rae (an orange, high centre-split gown), and Cristol Wilson (high split, thigh revealer).
PERFORMANCES
The beauties aside, the show also saw performances from Cindy Breakspeare who became Ms.World in 1976, Tony Gregory with his vintage dance moves, and the Dance Collective which showed their agility.
There were also several presentations including Jade Fulford, Ms Jamaica World 2003 and pageant public relations director, awarding Camile Boland for her stellar work as pageant coordinator, Jackie Toyloy for the work and support she provided for Tonoya Toyloy, her daughter, in 2004, and Terri-Karelle Griffith for Most Congenial. Sandra Davis, sales and marketing assistant for Gleaner Online, also presented Griffith with The Gleaner's Most Aware Award.
The hosts of the show were Ted Gallimore, Paula-Ann Porter and Beret McCauley, a former Ms. Jamaica World, who described her time in the competition as an "evolutionary experience". The judges included Lisa Hanna (Ms. World 1993), Leo Nesbeth, Dr. Peter Glaze, Gordon Arnold, chief judge Tommy James, former Ms. Jamaica World queens Laurel Demercado, Bernadette McKinley and Desrine Depass.
