Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Newly-crowned Miss Jamaica World 2005, Terri-Karelle Griffith poses proudly with her boyfriend Evon Reid Jr., after the coronation at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in St. Andrew on Sunday night. - WINSTON SILL /FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE GRAND coronation of Miss Jamaica World is always a spectacular affair. And this year, contestants and patrons, lit up the ballroom of the Pegasus Hotel last Sunday night.
Terri-Karelle Griffith, Miss O'Riley's, also adjudged Best Talent, Most Congenial and The Gleaner's Most Aware contestant was the lady who occupied the spotlight. However we noticed the impressive attire by some of
the guests who seemed bent on outshining the contestants on stage. From thigh-high slits, low necklines, jewelled adorned skirts and blouses, hip-falling belts to dazzling makeup, it was all there for feasting eyes.
Not to be outdone, the new queen's mother, Donna Scott, wore pants and shirt with a dash of red neck tie and hat.
SIGNATURE STYLE
But for all their effort, guests did not outshine the 15 contestants on stage. Uzuri International's duo of Karl Williams and Mark McDermot brought out their signature style peek-a-boo slits, curved bodices, feathers and lots of sequins.
Some of the most memorable gowns were worn by Peta-Gaye Walker (a black spaghetti strapped choker-neckline, body-fitting with lots of sparkles), Francine Pinnock (a buttock-hugging number), Ravn Rae (an orange hued, high centre slit gown) and Christol Wilson (cut high on the thigh and revealing gown).
At least 15 of the past Miss Jamaica World entrants over the past 30 years have ended up either as winners of the title or being placed in the finals of the pageant. This year, Jamaicans are hopeful that Ms. Griffith will continue the trend.
Sharing in her joy was Ms. Griffith's boyfriend of five years, Evon Reid Jr. who after the show, expressed his happiness. "Been rooting for her from the beginning. She's eloquent, exuberant, beautiful and has the potential to be Miss World," he said. They met in Cuba while both were Veterinarian students.
Also present was Norma Brown-Bell, the contestants voice and speech trainer, who hugged and congratulated the winner as she posed for photographs beside her prize car, a brand new sporty, Mini Cooper motor car courtesy of Sterling Motors. There was a humorous moment when Mrs. Brown-Bell assisted in wiping the cheeks of a gracious Ms. Griffiths who also ended up with scraps of tissue on her face during the exchange. "There is tissue on my face," she laughed and posed for photos with Brown-Bell.
Tonoya Toyloy, Miss Jamaica World 2004, also congratulated her successor and told The Gleaner that Griffith was one of the girls who stood out. "She shone from the beginning. I really like her. I think she will do well at the Miss World contest. She has a unique look. She's intelligent and she's personable."
Ms. Griffith will now begin preparation for Miss World finals on December 10 in
Sanya, China.
