The National Arena transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland for the third annual Prime Minister’s Ball, where Miss Myrtis Thomas, a 24-year-old nurse, was crowned Miss JACISERA. The evening featured a parade of beauty, stunning designer gowns, and electrifying entertainment by stars like Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Toots and the Maytals, and Calypso Rose. With government officials among the revellers and prizes galore, the event was a spectacular celebration of talent, elegance, and camaraderie.

Published Monday, December 21, 1970

Miss JACISERA crowned at PM's ball

In a winter wonderland décor of twinkling coloured lights, green pines, and banked snow, Miss Jamaica Civil Service Association (JACISERA) was crowned on Saturday night at the National Arena, lending added colour and pageantry to the third annual Prime Minister’s Ball for government employees.

From a field of 14 contestants representing the ministries that comprise the Civil Service, Miss Myrtis Thomas, a 24-year-old nurse attached to the Ministry of Health, was chosen as Miss JACISERA. First runner-up was Miss Corine Pottinger, 24, an information officer in the Office of the Prime Minister. Third place went to Miss Patricia Beswick, a 21-year-old clerk in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Miss JACISERA was crowned, robed, and sashed by Mrs Edward Seaga, wife of the Minister of Finance and Planning and a former Miss Jamaica.

The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hugh Shearer, was the first to go on stage and congratulate Miss JACISERA. At the same time, he presented her prizes, the major ones being $500, a television set donated by the Prime Minister, and a hair dryer. When the large audience at the Arena shouted “Kiss,” Mr. Shearer graciously obliged and kissed the Civil Service Queen, to the obvious delight of many.

Miss Corine Pottinger, the first runner-up, received $130 donated by the Jamaica Civil Service Association and a trip for two to Miami courtesy of Air Jamaica. The second runner-up, Miss Patricia Beswick, received a 20’ Caloric gas range from the Jamaica Manufacturers Association and a weekend for two at a North Coast hotel. All contestants received flowers, gift certificates from the JMA, and packages from Max Factor, who were also responsible for the makeup of the contestants.

All three winners were very regal-looking. Miss JACISERA wore a turquoise gown of sheer yum-yum designed by Francis Keane. Richly beaded with crystals around the scooped neckline and midriff, the dress featured a deep plunge at the back, falling into a ground-length panel. Miss Corine Pottinger chose an A-line white midi coat of whipped cream over a maxi skirt with a revealing back slit. The coat sported cut-away sleeves and a high Chinese neckline. This ensemble was a creation of Ken and Pat Ramsey’s Boutique.

A white bonded jersey gown was the attire of Miss Patricia Beswick. Designed by Mrs. Pearline Nicholson, the gown featured a T-shaped neckline in front with three straps attaching the neck halter to the empire line. The bodice was covered with silver embroidery, and a side slit aided movement.

The evening’s entertainment opened with the parade of the 14 contestants, who were introduced by Dotty Dean and Delroy Mendes. While the judges deliberated, a sparkling cabaret was presented. In a hollow created in the specially constructed stage rested Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, who backed the artists and provided dance music.

The spotlight during cabaret time was on Vie Taylor, a Jamaican vocalist, and Calypso Rose from Trinidad. Taylor belted out two popular tunes, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and Tom Jones’ “Without Love” to the obvious delight and appreciation of the audience. Calypso Rose added the Eastern Caribbean touch and gained many laughs, especially with her earthy “Sweet Brown Sugar.”

Other performers during showtime included Toots and the Maytals, Tony Gregory, and, especially for the men, Madame Liquidator.

With the coronation of Miss JACISERA out of the way, this marked the beginning of merriment for the hundreds of revellers as Byron Lee and the Dragonaires provided music “for dancing feet.” Many ministries of Government were represented among the dancers.

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