Despite a late start and sound glitches, the Miss Jamaica World 2000 pageant was a memorable success, with 24-year-old Ayisha Richards emerging victorious. Held at Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Richards charmed the judges and audience, winning the coveted crown, a Peugeot, and prizes totaling over $1 million.

Published Monday, September, 11, 2000

Miss Ja World Coronation Show...: Ayisha Richards triumphed

By Justin Whyte: Entertainment Editor

STATUESQUE, 24-YEAR-OLD Ayisha Richards, at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 125 pounds charmed her way into the hearts of the judges and an enthusiastic and approving audience at Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Saturday night to emerge winner of the Miss Jamaica (World) 2000 Beauty Pageant.

She walked away with a brand new Peugeot motor car and prizes valued at over $1 million and a chance to compete in the Miss World contest to be held later this year, having emerged winner from a field of 20 contestants.

Second runner-up to the queen was 22-year-old Marsha-Ann Hay, Miss Twin Gates Shopping Centre, while 25-year-old Melanie Owen, Miss Bibibips Bar & Grill was first runner-up. Sectional prizes went to Ayisha for Best Smile and Marsha-Ann Hay for Most Congenial.

The show got off to a 16 minute-late start to the annoyance of an impatient audience, some of whom had gathered from as early as 7 p.m. to what turned out to be an oppressively hot evening.

The venue fulfilled the intentions of the promoters, who wanted to create a Millennium Show - futuristic in production ’ a kind of ’lyme and enjoy’ setting.

The show began with a spirited acrobatic dance sequence, choreographed by Clive Thompson, featuring dancers, courtesy of the National Dance Theatre Company.

The evening’s programme was well guided by FAME-FM’s Paula-Ann Porter and Weston Haughton who have chaired many similar shows. However, too many errors were made in interpreting the script for the show.

Overall the contestants appeared confident and radiant in swimwear by Spa, teamed with appropriate accessories, ’strutted their stuff’ as lights by Electro Tech Limited flickered, and the music grew louder. However, there were some menacing problems with the sound amplification. And as the contestants came down the catwalk, with their well-shaped bodies, they were inundated with catcalls, witty remarks and shouts of approval.

The momentum of the show was kept with exemplary dance and music interludes. The vivacious Gem Myers thrilled everyone with her lyrical tones and demonstrated her ability to ’worry a line’ raising quite a few goose pimples in the audience. Tony Gregory too was as usual fascinating and still possesses a pleasing voice. It remains a mystery why the organisers gave him 22 roses, instead of 20, which would have been sufficient for the number of contestants.

The contestants were elegant in their eye-catching evening gowns, crafted by some of Jamaica’s most creative and imaginative designers.

The format of the show was satisfactory and was enhanced by exquisitely appropriate dances by the members of the NDTC company, especially a routine choreographed by Keith Fagan. Voice Mail too made an impact on the discriminating audience. The Unique Vision Band also did well in bringing some freshness to the occasion.

Veteran fashion designer Francis Keane was recognised by Spartan for her contribution to the fashion industry over the years. Recognition was also given to Tommy James, the longest serving judge of the contest.

Surrey won the County Trophy. Overall, it was a well produced show.

Congratulations to Mickey Haughton-James and committee.

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