'Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen' Jodian Scott, is flanked by the first runner-up Vanessa Osbourne, left, and third-place finisher Shelly-Ann Thompson. Scott won the title last Saturday at Colonel's Cove in St. Thomas. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer ONLY ONE girl could be given the nod to represent the parish of St. Thomas at the 'Miss Jamaica Festival Queen' competition next month. That one girl was Jodian Scott, who emerged ahead of seven other contestants at the 'Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen' competition held at Colonel's Cove, St. Thomas on Saturday night.
Scott, who wore the sash of 'Miss Eastern Traders Limited', got the nod ahead of seven other contestants who vied for the opportunity to replace outgoing queen Tiffany Spencer as St. Thomas' representative to this year's finals, to be held in July.
For her victory, Scott took home $10,000 in cash, a scholarship grant to Exed Community College, movie passes courtesy of Palace Amusement, a trophy and other prizes.
She also won the sectional prize for 'Best Gown'.
OVERWHELMED
Scott was obviously overwhelmed by her achievement of being crowned Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen. "I'm very happy to have won," she said. "All the hard work really paid off and I really enjoyed the time I spent with these girls, who are all beautiful and talented and I'm happy to be representing St. Thomas."
For their efforts, Vanessa Osbourne and Shelly-Ann Thompson finished second and third respectively. Osbourne, for her second place finish, walked away from Colonel Cove with $7,000, movie passes from Palace Amusement, and a cellular phone among other prizes. She also copped the sectional prize of being 'Most Culturally Aware'.
Shelly-Ann Thompson, who finished third won $5,000, a trophy, a gift basket and membership to Spartan Health Club.
Other prizes went to Brenice Breakenridge, who got the awards of 'Most Talented' and 'Most Improved' contestant, while 'Most Congenial' went to Nadia Coburn.
Jodian's path to taking that 'walk of honour', was not clear cut. She had to withstand intense competition from Shelly-Ann Thompson, Vanessa Osbourne, Nadia Coburn, Kari-Ann Watson, Brenise Breakenbridge, Amaya McMurrin and Shaneka Russell.
The eight finalists showed off their knowledge of the various aspects of Jamaican culture in talent segment.
Brenise Breakenridge got good support for her piece called Mad, Sick, Head Nuh Good, while Nadia Coburn tried her best to put a different spin on Trench Town Shock.
Shelly-Ann Thompson was affected by the sound system during her performance as the selector always introduced the music late as she took the audience through the different eras of Jamaican music.
However, in the end, it was the question and answer segment that drew the line between the eventual winners and her competitors.
In the question and answer segment, five girls were chosen. The five, Vanessa Osbourne, Shaneka Russell, Shelly-Ann Thompson, Jodian Scott and Amaya McMurrin were asked questions around issues affecting St. Thomas.
Jodian Scott was asked, 'What programmes can be put in place to control the spread of AIDS in the parish of St. Thomas?'. She responded by pointing out the need for public education campaigns in schools and the community.
Vanessa Osbourne was asked 'What does this year's theme for the competition mean to you?'. She replied that the theme 'Jamaican Beauty' meant a celebration of Jamaican culture, people and the beauty of the island.
Shelly-Ann Thompson's question went 'What do you think can be put in place to prevent the brain-drain affecting St. Thomas?'. Her answer was that more employment was needed for professionals in all areas.
Apart from the contestants, the other highlight of the evening was the entertainment segment provided by Mass Jasper of 'Lime Tree Lane' fame, singing group Inque, Champs Models and the Cosmic Dancers.
The judges for the contest were Mrs Elisa Forbes-Murray, Mr Clinton Gordon and Miss Ine Jones.
