Today, the winner of the Miss Jamaica World pageant, represents, in many ways, the ‘Out of Many, One People’, motto the country is expected to present. But that wasn’t always the case. This month, 33 years ago, the name Andrea Haynes shot to prominence, with the beauty becoming one of only a few of the more afro-centric-looking Jamaicans to win the crown. Since then, we have come a long way. But Haynes’ representation may be seen as one of the catalysts for the diversifying of the look that comes from the pageant and gets shared with the world.

Published Monday, September 5, 1988

Andrea Haynes is Miss Jamaica

A 23-year-old Jamaican beauty Andrea Nichola Haynes walked away with the 1988 Miss Jamaica title Saturday night at the National Arena. As Miss Jamaica World, she will represent her nation in the Miss World pageant to be held in London in November.

The dramatic evening began as the lights lowered and the blue curtains were parted to reveal the 20 contestants dressed in turquoise blue swimsuits covered with short silver accordion-pleated skirts sporting silver garlands in their hair and silver sandals, poised against the stage setting of “The Olympics” designed by Leslie Kiddoe.

The contestants filed down the ramp carrying torches. The opening number concluded with a formation of the contestants in the shape of the number 10 to represent the 10th anniversary of the Spartan Health Club’s involvement with the Miss Jamaica Beauty Pageant.

The contestants’ reappearance minus the silver accordion-pleated skirts, revealed close-fitting swimsuits by Spunk which contained all their vital statistics.

The evening was described as the night at least one of the contestants will remember for the rest of her life by Cathy Levy, former Miss Jamaica, who shared duties as emcee with Neville Willoughby. It was also the night many of the contestants would not easily forget, several trembled as they passed before the judges, sweat glistened on their skin and they literally shook in their heels.

In the formal wear section, Andrea Haynes, sponsored by Guardian Insurance, was favourably received by the audience. She wore a gold-laced gown designed by Meilmg/Mijan Her hair, brushed back, was festooned with a gold lurex fan to frame her face and to match the gown with accordion pleats.

Kim Scott, “Miss General Merchandise” who took the “Miss Jamaica International” title, looked stunning, dressed by Tony Cranston and Marcia Roache of Tomar in a black and silver dress which featured a handkerchief skirt.

“Miss Jamaica Wonderland” Nicola Seixas was sponsored by Kingston Hireage. She appeared in a brilliant blue satin gown by Ruth and Michelle Hussey of Exquisite Fashions.

Wendy Nash, who entered as Miss Quality Dealers/Roofing Systems, was crowned “Miss Jamaica Maja”. She wore a dramatic sequined gown designed by Michelle Johnson of Michioni. It featured a figure-hugging blue sequined sheath with a flurry of blue tulle dotted with blue glitter.

Tarra Chin “Miss Jamaica Termite Control”, dressed by Ruth and Michelle Hussey of Exquisite Fashions shimmered in a brilliant red mini-dress with a gigantic floor-sweeping ruffle.

Suspense evaporated after the sectional prizes were announced. Prizes were awarded to Kim Scott for Best Legs ($1,000 donated by Bodden Bailey Sherriff and Co. Ltd. Best Personality, Andrea Haynes ($1,000 donated by Creative Advertising); Best Figure, Andrea Haynes (81,000 donated by Sunset Records/Harry). Most Aware, Suzanne Phillips ($1,000 donated by Mall Pharmacy): Best Smile, Kim Scott ($1, 000 donated by Wisdom Toothbrush): Most Congenial Kim Khaleel ($1,000 donated by Lloyd Chuck’s Texaco Autoport Ltd). Best Deportment and Stage Presentation, Andrea Haynes ($1,000 donated by Placement and Business Services Ltd), and Most Photogenic, Nicola Seixas (S500 donated by The Jamaica Record).

When the finalists were narrowed down to seven contestants including Victoria Hobbs, “Miss Flower World and Audrey Fenton, “Miss Al Greaves Jewellers”, there were murmurs in the audience about the selection of the top seven. But the interviews were quickly and efficiently carried out by Neville Willoughby. The 1988 Miss Jamaica World, Andrea Haynes said that entering the contest was not a matter of winning or losing just doing her best.

The inevitable announcement of the climax of the 1988 Miss Jamaica Beauty Pageant was obvious. The new queen is the daughter of Dr Grace Lindo Haynes and Dr. Compton Haynes. She recently graduated from Concordia University, Quebec where she was trained in graphic designing. 

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