SEVENTEEN-YEAR-old Kathryn Royes got a taste of sweet victory last Sunday night when she emerged as the 2004 winner of the 'Miss Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) 2004' competition.
The young woman who wore the sash of Miss Sugar and Spice was a crowd favourite from the beginning of the competition. Her eventual victory was met with no protest from the few who waited until the end of the competition.
Scores of Jamaican Chinese had turned out to celebrate their New Year on Sunday, January 22, at the CBA headquarters on Hope Road in St. Andrew.
EXTREMELY CLOSE CONTEST
Royes emerged the winner from a group of 11 other contestants, including Lisa Williams, 'Miss Knutsford Court' who was another crowd favourite. In what was dubbed an "extremely close contest" by MC Dervan Malcolm, Williams seemed to have stolen the crown when she walked away with three sectional prizes: 'Best Smile', 'Best Legs', and 'Best Personality'. Royes won, in addition to the title, the prize for 'Best Figure'. Third place went to Ann Marie Zhu.
The competition, which began with the parade of the contestants in swimwear, was interspersed with the presentation of the years' 'Award of Excellence' to David Chang, then continued with the parade of the beauties in the traditional Chinese dress, the Cheong Sam.
During this segment the contestants made brief presentations on various aspects of their culture. The Ying Yang was explained by 'Miss Central Trading', Toni Ann Lyew, while Elizabeth Hoo Fung explained the significance of the colour red to the Chinese. It was a fitting selection since much of the decorations were in red. A Red Packet (Red Envelope) is simply a red envelope with money in it, often decorated with lucky symbols, which symbolises luck and wealth. It is called Hong Bao in Chinese. "Best wishes for the new year," she said "And give me a red envelope with money."
After all 12 contestants made their presentations they were serenaded by Rob Chung, who received a rousing applause for his throaty delivery.
After the very lengthy draw of the gate prizes, a weekend for two at Hedonism III and a round trip for two on Air Jamaica to any United States of America destination (except Los Angeles), the vote of thanks was given and the winners announced. But not before MC Dervan Malcolm delved into his oft-recited impressions of the late former Governor-General of Jamaica Sir Florizel Glasspole, Douglas Vaz and Micheal Manley.
The year 2004 marks for the Chinese the Year of the Monkey. Persons born under this sign are persuasive, intelligent and strive for excellence.
