Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter
Miss Jamaica World 2005, Terri-Karelle Griffith, in her national outfit, 'Tribute To Miss Lou', which she wore at the 2005 Miss World Competition. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
CAN YOU imagine a competition you didn't win, but even your competitors say you should have won? That was Terri-Karelle Griffith's experience at the recently concluded Miss World 2005 competition.
"Even they said 'you were robbed'," laughed Terri-Karelle, "and 'even though you didn't win, you're our Miss World'. They made me cry with that."
Miss Jamaica World 2005, Terri-Karelle Griffith, returned home on Tuesday night from Sanya, China. In an interview with the The Gleaner after her return, she said "It was magnificent."
"...The contestants there were always shouting 'Jamaica!' and inviting me over to have lunch with them and that sort of thing. They really respected me for the person I am," she said.
Terri-Karelle says when she arrived in Sanya she adjusted quickly. "There was nothing that I really had to adjust to. I arrived and knew whatever the itinerary said had to be done and I didn't have a problem doing the stuff," she said.
SURPRISE
During the competition Terri-Karelle was a favourite, so it was not a surprise to anyone - well, except Terri-Karelle - that she made the top 15.
"Oh my gosh, I went blank when I heard my name. I can't explain it ... They were always saying that the Caribbean was the hardest region to choose two girls from because of the competition and when I heard that I got the highest number of votes, I was really surprised," she said.
Then came time for the announcement of the top six and, unfortunately, Terri-Karelle wasn't among the lot. "I wasn't all that surprised that Miss Puerto Rico went through. She was one of the favourites in China, so it wasn't much of a surprise," she said.
When asked who she thought her biggest competition was while in Sanya, Terri-Karelle said "All of them. The reason I say that is the judges said this year had the most vibrant set ... Everyone gave me a run for my money and all of them were very scholastic".
Terri-Karelle says above all she is grateful for her emotional growth and the memorable experiences she compiled throughout the event. "I learnt that you should always be true to yourself and others, and if you are going to do something you should give it all you have."
"...I also grew as far as self-confidence is concerned. I always had love for myself, but I was always conscious of myself as far as walking in a swimsuit goes. So I would have to say that was my biggest fear," she said.
THE GIFT
She said her best moment in China was when Miss Namibia presented her with a gift.
"Miss Namibia presented me with a genuine handcrafted basket that her grandmother gave her. Her grandmother told her to give it to the girl who she thought stood out the most and the person she thought was the kindest and most sincere. She said if she didn't find anyone she should take it back home and she gave it to me. So that I would have to say was the most memorable moment," Terri-Karelle said.
Although Terri-Karelle didn't walk away with the crown, she says those she has encountered since her return have treated her as if she did. "People are treating me as if I won the crown. I am just happy that they saw that I went and represented us well," she said.
She couldn't mention proud onlookers without talking about her family. "My mother is so proud, but she cries all the time when she does interviews and talks about me," she laughed. "My mother and grandmother have been my guiding lights and they are extremely proud."
Terri-Karelle Griffith says she will now be focusing on a
number of projects. She says these include her driving lessons and going to the gym.
"I am looking forward to serving Jamaica in any way, because being a Miss Jamaica is being a servant and catering to the welfare of the people. So far I have been trying to do that. I am interested in two projects - the beautification of the Hope Zoo and also working with the Dare To Care Hospice - and anything that comes my way I will definitely be participating in," she said.
She spoke of her training and going back to the gym. "I just saw my personal trainer and I told him he was fired," she joked. "But I really couldn't have done it without them, so I really have to thank Spartan and Mark McDonald, my personal trainer ... Although I didn't place in the top five for the beach beauty competition, the judges and everyone were saying they loved my shape and body."
"...As far as driving goes, I have to wonder if I'll even remember how to change gears," she laughed.
