The newly-crowned Miss Kingston and St. Andrew Festival Queen Ine Jones. She won the crown from a field of thirteen contestants last Sunday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer SUNDAY JUNE 30 is a night that 21-year-old Ine Jones will remember for years to come. She was crowned Miss Kingston and St. Andrew Festival Queen on that night.
Ine, a University of Technology student, emerged victorious out of a field of 13 contestants while Kay-Ann Leslie and Samoy Campbell finished second and third respectively.
For her exploits on the night, the girl of the moment also copped the award for being the 'Most Culturally Aware'. The award for 'Most Talented' went to Samoy Campbell, while the 'Most Congenial' award was shared between Samoy Campbell, Shiekera Baker and Kay-Ann Leslie.
The event appeared to be a highly competitive one, especially in the early stages with good talent pieces from Ine Jones, Samoy Campbell, Kay-Ann Leslie and Tanya Blake. The girls managed to cause laughter or generate interest from the patrons, who were hard to please for most of the night.
Kay-Ann Leslie's performance of Jean 'Binta' Breeze's 'Riddim Ravings' had the audience in stitches as she spoke of a mentally challenged woman who kept on hearing music in her head.
Tanya Blake also had the audience laughing with her piece called 'Dat White Witch Name Ennie,' which was originally performed by Joan Andrea Hutchinson, while Titania Meredith gave 'Independence' her best attempt.
In the question and answer segment, there were several good responses from the seven contestants who had been chosen. The seven girls were Kay-Ann Leslie, Titanya Meredith, Bridgette Williams, Samoy Campbell, Tanya Blake, Ine Jones and Shelly-Ann Lewis.
Kay-Ann, Samoy, Ine and Shelly-Ann answered their questions well, while Titania Meredith a favourite among some of the men, stumbled on her question 'What effect does drug abuse have on the economy?' She started out slowly due to nerves but recovered in the end.
After the event, Ine, who was apparently overwhelmed by her success, was on the verge of tears as she spoke.
"I'm very elated and feel proud to represent the parish and community and be a cultural ambassador," said Ine.
