In a lively event at Montego Bay's Guild Club, May Salmon, an 18-year-old student, was crowned Miss St James in the Afro-Jamaican Beauty Contest by Shirley Hall. Salmon, representing Miss Strand Theatre, triumphed over nine contestants. Sheila McKenzie, a crowd favourite, claimed second place as Miss Baritone, while Marian Steen took third as Miss Cornwall Betting Service. The finalists will compete in Kingston, with Salmon receiving a physical culture course as part of her prize. The evening was filled with excitement, music, and community pride.

Published Tuesday, September 19, 1967

Afro-Jamaican contest Miss St James, Miss Hanover chosen

Gleaner Western Bureau

MONTEGO BAY, St James, September 17:

Miss Jamaica Festival and third runner-up in the Miss Jamaica 1967 contest, Shirley Hall, last night crowned May Salmon, an 18-year old student as Miss St James in the Afro-Jamaican Beauty Contest. The crowning took place at the Montego Bay Guild Club.

Salmon, who is five feet two-and-a half inches tall, with vital statistics of 35-24-36, wore the sash of Miss Strand Theatre.

Second place went to Sheila McKenzie, a favourite with the crowd and wearing the sash, 'Miss Baritone'. Third place went to Marian Steen wearing the sash of 'Miss Cornwall Betting Service'.

There were nine entrants in the contest. Salmon will represent St James in the finals which will be held in Kingston at a later date. All the contestants were given prizes, presented by the Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Cecil Donaldson.

Earlier on, Dr Eric Campbell crowned the winner and queen from Hanover, Florence Lawson.

Salmon received as one of her prizes a physical culture course at Young’s Gym. She will be able to take advantage of it up to the time of the national finals.

Music for the occasion was provided by Billy Vernon and his Celestials. Vernon Buckley was emcee.

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