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Toni-Ann Singh crowned Miss Jamaica World 2019

Published:Monday | September 23, 2019 | 12:22 AMMarcia Rowe/Gleaner Writer
Toni-Ann Singh, Miss Jamaica World 2019,  is flanked by first runner-up Rochelle McKinley (left) and second runner-up Alana Wanliss.
Toni-Ann Singh, Miss Jamaica World 2019, is flanked by first runner-up Rochelle McKinley (left) and second runner-up Alana Wanliss.

It is said that lightning does not strike the same place twice. And, no doubt, Toni-Ann Singh, Miss Jamaica World (MJW) 2019, hopes that this notion may change in her favour. Singh placed first at Saturday’s coronation show, and so, she will be heading to the Miss World finals in London, scheduled to be held on December 14. And, like Cindy Breakspeare, who represented Jamaica in that city in 1976, she would like to return with the coveted crown.

“It is a great legacy to continue,” Singh, who gave God the glory, told The Gleaner.

Her plan is to continue working with women and “hopefully, one young lady I get to work with ends up on stage to represent her country as well”.

The 23-year-old has never visited Europe, and she is excited about the upcoming visit. Along with branding Jamaica as “a melting pot of beautiful people” represented in the patchwork of culinary delights, she is looking forward to having fish and chips too. “cause when they come to Jamaica, they eat ackee and salt fish so I want try their fish and chips”.

The MJW ‘Jamaica Jamboree’ show at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel had its fair share of novelties, including the dramatic announcement of a top six, instead of the magic five.

After making several appearances, including the opening entrance, preceded by a vignette in tribute of the late MJW director, Aston Cooke, and the spectacular evening gown parade, the field of 16 was narrowed down to 10, five of whom made the cut through the Fast Track. They were Singh (talent), Rochelle McKinley (beach beauty), Thalia Malcolm (Fitness), Euricka Brown (top model) and Soyini Phillips (beauty with a purpose project). Brianna Knight, Kadijah McIntosh, Daneiva Powell, Mariann Knight and Alana Wanliss joined them.

An interview, conducted by presenter Brian Johnson, narrowed the field to a “breaking new six”. There was a tie in the score. The beneficiary was B. Knight, who joined Phillips, McIntosh and the top three. A subsequent question-and-answer segment, conducted by Simone Clarke-Cooper, had the six ladies giving clear and precise responses to a myriad of questions. This was the final guide for the judges, led by Cindy Breakspeare, to select the top three – the winner, Singh, along with Roshelle McKinley and Alanna Wanliss, second and third, respectively. The new queen was crowned by MJW 2018 Kadijah Robinson.

Singh also won the Best Personality and Best Photogenic awards. Haqikah Greaves was adjudged the Most Congenial by her peers; Powell received the award for Most Improved, while Brianna Knight was awarded the prize for the Popular Vote Award. The Spartan Health Club team also received a special award.

Vocalist DiMario McDowell and comedian Christopher Daley provided the evening’s live entertainment.