From left: Debbi Phillipps, Yendi's stepmom; a proud dad Haleem Phillipps, Yendi Phillipps and her brother Deon Phillipps. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The Gleaner had the opportunity to speak with Yendi Phillipps after she was crowned Ms. Jamaica World 2007. This is what she had to say:

Was there any point in the competition when you thought you would not have won?

I'm not a negative thinker. I'm all about positivity. I believe you focus on what you want and only that and not allow anything else to get to you, to break your train of thought, so my focus wasn't, 'maybe I can't win', my focus was 'I want this'.

What's the feeling now?

It's overwhelming, it's a beautiful feeling. It feels great. The gratitude, I'm so grateful, thanks to everyone for the opportunity. Thank you.

What is the first thing you will do now that you are Ms. Jamaica World?

I would love to focus on the arts and implementing arts programmes in Jamaica. However, in light of Hurricane Dean, I would have to, definitely, love to work with government and influential figures and really try to get something going, get the ground moving on relief systems for the hurricane.

Was the crowd's response to you added pressure or motivation?

No. I feed off energy and it was positive. Positivity all the way and it was great.

What is the greatest thing that you have taken away from this competition?

I would have to say being given the honour to be an ambassador for my country. I think that's an honour. I have so much I see for what I can do and what I can be allowed to do in developing my country and I'm all for it. I'm ready.

Was there any point that you reconsidered entering the competition?

Never. A year ago, two years ago I would have had that issue but not now. I only did it now because I was mentally and spiritually ready. It was time.

What was going through your mind just before they announced the winners?

I was actually talking to my mother who is not here with us in the physical and I was thanking her for guiding me through the whole thing.

You were the obvious favourite. Why do you think this was?

Well, for one I have a huge family, my career in dance [with NDTC and Edna Manley College] and being on the stage people are very familiar with seeing me perform, then with my modelling career [with Saint International], people are also familiar with my face. So I think when people can see someone that they recognise, it's a little easier to relate to. I'm not sure, I'm guessing, but I think that could have had some influence on it.