‘Best thing since Bogle rebellion’ - Miss World to be honoured with street, nursery in home parish
Published:Tuesday | December 24, 2019 | 12:15 AMJudana Murphy/Gleaner Writer
Morant Bay’s mayor has indicated that a resolution will be moved in the St Thomas Municipal Corporation, which he leads, to have a street in the parish renamed in honour of Miss World 2019, Toni-Ann Singh.
The 23-year-old Singh, who was born in St Thomas, became the fourth Jamaican to win the coveted pageant title on December 14.
Yesterday, as Singh went on a homecoming tour and motorcade through sections of St Thomas, Hue thanked her for “bringing joy to this parish”.
He said her achievement came at a time when the parish needed it most.
“Not even the projects assigned to market Jamaica on the international stage compares to what you have done. This country is indebted to you, Miss Singh,” Hue said.
With St Thomas often referred to as the “forgotten parish”, the mayor said Singh’s success has paved the way for it to become the “Cinderella parish”.
“Toni has not opened the door to St Thomas. She has kicked it open! This is indeed the greatest achievement that I can remember since the 1865 Paul Bogle rebellion,” he said to loud cheers.
During a visit to the St Thomas branch of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF), Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange announced an expansion of the facility.
A nursery in her honour
“We will build out a new nursery, and it will be the Toni-Ann Singh Nursery. We will make a more detailed announcement, but I just want to say to you that it will be done. And it will be done soonest!” Grange said.
The foundation was chosen as Singh’s Beauty With A Purpose project upon entering the Miss World competition.
Since its inception in 1978, the WCJF has assisted 47,000 adolescent mothers across its main centres and outreach stations. It caters to adolescent mothers by allowing them to continue their education while equipping them with the knowledge and skills for parenting.
The 69th Miss World arrived in Jamaica last Friday for a four-day visit, and Jamaicans were excited to see her yesterday.
Shirley Lamont, a returning resident who was at the Yallahs stop, said she had to celebrate the historic moment in person.
“I could not have allowed this to miss me. Our first Miss World in St Thomas! Nothing could stop me from coming out. Even if I was in bed, they would have to put me on a stretcher or something to take me out here this morning,” the 83-year-old said.
Today, Singh will be guest of honour at courtesy calls with the prime minister and the governor general.