Adrian Frater, News Editor
Romayne McNab (centre), the newly crowned Miss Jamaica Commonwealth, shares her joy with first runner-up Kadian Harty (right) and second runner-up Debbie Ann McKreith (left) following her coronation at Sandals Montego Bay on Sunday night. - PHOTO BY ADRIAN FRATER
WESTERN BUREAU:
TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD TRAINEE manager Romayne McNab emerged the toast of Sunday night's Miss Jamaica Commonwealth Pageant, which was held on the elegantly transformed tennis court at the Sandals Montego Bay Hotel. She walked away with the coveted title and a lavish package of cash and prizes.
"I am absolutely excited...I am extremely happy," said the beaming McNab, who was one of the clear favourites among the 21 contestants in the pageant. They unveiled their talent in the colourful amphitheatre-like setting, with the aircraft speeding down the runway at the neighbouring Sangster International Airport as part of its backdrop.
CASH PRIZE
In addition to earning the right to represent Jamaica in the Miss Commonwealth Pageant, which will be held on June 26 at a yet to be announced venue, the petite McNab, who wore the sash Miss International Air Links, walked away with $30,000 in cash, a trip to any Caribbean destination of her choice on BWIA, a weekend for two at any Sandals or Beaches Resort, one gold watch, a trophy from franchise holder Lachu Ramchandani and $1000 in cellular phone credit.
Kadian Harty, who was most impressive in the interviews and also copped the sectional prize for the Most Aware contestant, took second place. Her prize package included a microwave oven, gold chains and pendants, a weekend for two at any Sandals Beaches property and a trip for two to Grand Cayman courtesy of Cayman Airway.
Debbie-Ann McKreith, who generated much excitement in the early goings and was widely expected to make the top three, took third place. Her prize package included a DVD player, a weekend for two at any Sandals or Beaches Resort in Jamaica among other prizes.
While they did not make the top three, pretty Makeda Ramgeet, who was voted Most Congenial, and the duo of Tamar Burke and Daina Edwards, who shared the sectional award for Most Talented, also scooped up some of the gift packages and a prize trip.
While the contestants, who made appearances in swimwear and eveningwear, were the centres of attention, the overall entertainment package, which featured contributions from six of the contestants, the Sandals Montego Bay Flagship Dancers and TAP dancers, also added a most refreshing sparkle to the event.
Of the contestants, Harty was quite good in her execution of the poem, 'I Rise' and Edwards thrilled with a dance that evoked memories of scenes from a gangster movie. However, the best performance may have come from Taneisha Riley, who got a standing ovation for her classy rendition of Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song.'
Minus a few glitches which came from the master of ceremonies Nicholas Watson, who had sections of the crowd shouting out corrections, the show was a well executed production, which clearly won the general approval of those present.
