MISS JAMAICA Universe 2001' is Zhara Burton, a 21-year-old reporter/producer at TVJ. The graduate of Florida International University, wearing the sash of 'Miss Dagian Designer World', won from a field of 15 contestants.
Zhara was crowned Saturday night at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.
The brown-eyed beauty was awarded, among other prizes, $100,000 in cash from Smirnoff and another $100,000 in two years of guaranteed modelling contracts from Pulse.
First runner-up is 22-year-old Melissa Roche, who wore the sash 'Miss Tyre Brokers' and second runner-up, Tricia Bennett, 25, 'Miss International Travel Services'.
Renee Harper and Altoria Davis completed the top five.
The contestants began their quest for the coveted crown, when they paraded in swimwear by Mushroom. And this year, the girls came off the stage and walked up and down the aisles so patrons could see them close up.
The opening segment of the evening wear section by Marc McDermott and Carl Williams was dramatic. But some of the contestants had difficulty walking and were restrained from strutting their stuff. In fact, Ladisa Perry tripped, but quickly regained her composure.
And when the group returned for the grand finale some patrons felt that part of the programme was unnecessary.
Comic relief was provided by a member of the 20-month-old group, Voisemail, who tripped and almost fell. The group's outfits were mismatched and their moves needed to have been choreographed.
Wayne Wonder performed for about three minutes and when Buju Banton made his cameo appearance, the audience went wild. Richie Stephens performed 'Mama', but he lacked the usual sparkle.
Emcee Kathy Owen blundered when she announced a top nine instead of a top ten, which caused a stir among patrons and contestants. In addition, Renee Harper stumbled when she came out as one of the top ten.
Choreography of the show was well executed by Anushca-Mai Walton and lighting by Electro Tech was good. Andrew Henry, of Renegade Disco, scored big again with his musical selections.
The tempo of the show was boosted by an energetic dance routine by new faces discovered by Pulse, model agency and franchise-holder of the Miss Jamaica Universe contest.
It was a welcome change not to have had an intermission.
Sectional prizes included 'Most Congenial' which went to Rashida Gopie; 'Best Smile' to Simone Scarlet; 'Best Legs, Tricia Bennett; 'Best Figure', Deidre-Ann Chen and 'Most Aware', Melissa Roche.
- Justin Whyte
... and
she's going for the int'l crown
Zhara Burton is going for the Miss Universe crown this year.
She told The Gleaner shortly after being crowned 'Miss Jamaica Universe 2001' on Saturday night, that she was looking forward to representing Jamaica at the international contest later this year in Puerto Rico.
The 21-year-old beauty queen said: "My main competitors in this contest were Tricia Bennett and Simone Scarlet. Still, I knew I had a chance. I will pay some bills with the prize money, but my immediate plan is to win the 'Miss Universe' contest," she said.
The 5' 9" model was determined, however, that her involvement in the contest would not detract from her goal of being an international television news anchor, as that was what she was "born to do". In the meantime, she intends to continue working at TVJ, where she is a reporter and producer.
Zhara's mother, Cynthia Burton said she was very proud of her daughter and knew she was destined for "great things because she was a precocious child."
"I am not that surprised. Zhara worked very hard for this. I saw Tricia as her main competitor, but after Zhara answered her question I knew she was the winner. I feel she stands a good chance at 'Miss Universe'," said Mrs. Burton.
Several members of the audience told The Gleaner they felt Miss Burton edged the competition during the question and answer segment, while some cheered for Tricia Bennett. Zhara was asked what animal she would become if she had a choice, to which she responded: "A horse."
The audience laughed, but she went on to liken herself to that animal's charm, beauty, swiftness and strength, she got a resounding applause.
The Hilton Hotel's Grande Independence Ballroom, in which the coronation was held, lacked any decorative appeal. The stage was drab, covered only in linoleum and the set design showed little imagination.
The seats at the immediate right and left of the stage were poorly positioned as patrons seated closest to the dais were afforded only a side view of the on-stage proceedings, while those in the other rows had to crane their necks to see.
Winston Sill photo
