Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer
The new Miss Jamaica UK, Jillian Grandison, with first runner-up, Paula Cordington (left), and second runner-up, T'Leisha Gray, following Saturday's coronation in London, England.
Jillian Grandison, a 22-year-old accounts major at the London School of Accountancy, captured the Miss Jamaica UK crown from a field of 14 contestants. The parents of all top-three winners are from St Catherine. It was the 19th staging of the beauty pageant, held at the Camden Centre in London, on Saturday, November 8.
Second-place winner was Paula Cordington while placing third was T'Leisha Gray. The sectional prize for most photogenic went to Tanya Ball, best body tone went to T'Leisha Gray, while Grandison won the prize for best gown.
Miss Jamaica UK 2008 is expected to play an ambassadorial role, promoting Jamaica in the United Kingdom, as well as further bridging the gap between first-, second- and third-generation Jamaicans, many of whom were born in Britain.
To become Miss Jamaica UK, one must be culturally aware and have knowledge and experience of Jamaican heritage. Grandison is expected to enter the Miss Jamaica Universe contest in Kingston in 2009, as well as the Europe Junior Open Beauty pageant.
After-school activities
Speaking with the Flair following her crowning, Grandison said that she intends to initially establish a number of after-school activities in London, mainly for black boys, to stem the knife culture which has claimed the lives of more than 20 teenagers in London since the start of the year.
Sponsored by the Gleaner Voice Group, GraceKennedy, Swift Cash, the Jamaica Tourist Board and endorsed by the Ministry of Information Culture, Youth and Sports, part proceeds from the pageant will go towards assisting the Jamaica Early Childhood Development Foundation in Jamaica.
His Excellency Burchell Whiteman (centre), Jamaica's high commissioner in London is sandwiched by Miss Jamaica UK, Jillian Grandison (left), and Miss Jamaica Universe, April Jackson, at a presentation on investment opportunities in Jamaica by the Jamaica Trade and Invest, at the World Travel Market in London, last Tuesday. - photo by Janet Silvera
