In a dazzling spectacle held at the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) playing fields in Mona Bowl, 20-year-old Rosemarie DeSouza, known as Max Factor's beauty, emerged as the inaugural 'Miss Carnival Jamaica' during the finals on Saturday night. Clad in a stunning Flossie Thomas creation of white peau-de-sole adorned with light blue pearls and featuring a billowing skirt with a peacock hemline, Miss DeSouza, along with four other contestants in elegant evening dresses, captivated the five judges and a sizable crowd of spectators.

The Daily Gleaner

Published Monday, February 9, 1959.

Rosemary DeSouza chosen ‘Miss Carnival Jamaica’

Max Factor’s 20 year-old Rosemarie DeSouza, daughter of Mr and Mrs R.H. DeSouza, was chosen the first 'Miss Carnival Jamaica' in the finals held on Saturday night at the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) playing fields in Mona Bowl.

Wearing a Flossie Thomas creation of white peau-de-sole trimmed with light blue pearls, its billowing skirt featuring peacock hemline, Miss DeSouza, along with the four other contestants, also in evening dresses, paraded before the five judges and a large crowd of spectators.  Earlier in the evening, the contestants also paraded in bathing suits.

Second-place winner was 'Miss Coty Cosmetics', Dawn Lazarus, who wore an exquisite Bardowell’s creation of tinselled net over tulle, its full skirt divided around the centre with a thin silver band giving it a powder-puff effect.

'Miss Carnival Jamaica' was presented with a cup, donated by Max Factor through their local agents Distributors Ltd, by Joan Duperly, 'Miss Jamaica 1958', who also presented prizes to the other contestants.  The winner also received a trip to Trinidad donated by Consolidated Bakeries Ltd. and the U.C.W.I. Steel Band.

Others taking part in the contest were Jeanette Nasralls, ‘Miss University Store', Mary Walcott, 'Miss Kool Vent', and Pearlita Lee, 'Miss Nu Wear'.

Helping to enliven the proceedings during the final judging were Sir Horace and His Merry Knights (who were awarded a special prize by the Carnival Committee) and the UCWI Steel Band.

Judges for the contest were Tom Noonan, Robert Verity, Keith Bitter, Mme Violette de Barovier Riel and Mrs Tony Verity.

Presentations were also made by Althea Rowe, last year’s UCWI Carnival Queen, to the present queen Pauline Chevannes, and second-place winner Yvonne Laughton.  Jacqueline Davis, who placed third, was not present.

Also receiving prizes were the winners of the various calypso and bimbo competitions and the individual costumes and bands.  Prizes for the best costumed band went to the Rag Dolls, first, and The Purple People, second; Most original – Fashions of 2059; Best small group – Fashions of the Orient; Best big band – Knights of Chancellor; Best individual female - -Baby Doll; Best individual male – Small World.

Following the selection of Miss Carnival Jamaica, dancing got underway to the music of the UCWI Steel Band.

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