Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter
Jillian Jo Taylor (center) was crowned Mini Miss Jamaica last Sunday. At left is first runner-up Tatiana Purge, and Mistelle Haughton (right), won second runner-up. - CONTRIBUTED
THERE'S A new Mini Miss Jamaica in town and not only is she a cute kid, but she's smart as well.
Jillian Jo Taylor, 10, outdid 11 other mini misses between the ages of five and 10 years old and was crowned Mini Miss Jamaica 2005 at the Hilton Kingston, New Kingston, last Sunday night.
The first runner-up was five-year-old Tatiana Purge and six-year-old Mistelle Haughton was second runner-up. Shanae Wright, nine, came in fourth and Zhenia Noble was fifth.
The contestants were judged on a number of things including talent, intelligence, congeniality and Christian principles.
The competition started with the girls giving their Christmas renditions. Many "aaw(s)" could be heard throughout the audience, which mainly comprised of their family members and well-wishers.
The girls modelled sports wear and later on showcased their talent. Most recited poems, one danced and others sang.
Pretty soon it was time for the girls to model their evening wear and answer a few questions. But this wasn't before each girl was given a trophy for her participation.
More trophies were given to the girls who won the sectional prizes. Little Tatiana racked up the most trophies, including, 'Most Aware', 'Most Promising' and 'Youngest Contestant'. Jillian Jo won trophies for being the 'Most Intelligent', 'Most Disciplined' and 'Most Cultural' contestant.
During the break, entertainment was provided by G Whiz. He went as far as pulling one woman out of the audience to serenade her with N'Sync's Gone. He also did some of his original pieces Hush, We Tired (of the War), Treat Her Like a Lady and Hush pt. 2.
When the announcement was made that Jillian Jo was the winner, applause filled the small room and a beaming Jillian Jo took centrestage. She was crowned by Jodi-Ann Chung, Mini Miss Jamaica 2004, then took her walk for the first time as the new Mini Miss Jamaica.
After winning, Jillian Jo said, "I feel wonderful. I have been training since October for this." She says she wishes to use her reign to "help some of the homeless in Jamaica and give other children things."
