Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
Narda Malcolm, Miss St. James Festival Queen 2005, performing the song that won her the sectional prize, 'Best Performer', in the competition on Saturday night at the Montego Bay Civic Centre. - PHOTO BY JANET SILVERA
WESTERN BUREAU:
ST. JAMES could muster only four contestants and a small audience for the Miss St. James Festival Queen 2005 Coronation Show last Saturday night, but the show erased most of its negatives with a star-studded presentation.
The event, which was held at the Montego Bay Civic Centre, was plagued by an electrical outage, coupled with faulty audio system which resulted in a late start. However, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) turned its challenges into victory and crowned a confident and extremely talented 24-year-old Narda Malcolm as its 2005 queen.
Malcolm, who wore the sash of her employer, Sandals Royal Caribbean, easily copped the sectional prizes for 'Best Performance' and 'Most Congenial', taking home $22,000 in cash, a trip for two courtesy of Caribic Air Services, a microwave oven, weekend for four at Beaches Boscobel and many other gifts.
This was the second year that the sales coordinator was entering the competition, having placed third in 2003.
"It has been my childhood dream. I always wanted to wear this crown," beamed the new queen, as she spoke with The Gleaner after the competition. Earlier, when she was announced as the winner, her tear ducts gave way and her pent-up emotions were released.
A truly outstanding cultural ambassador, Malcolm won the 'Miss Anchovy' title in 2000 and the 'Miss Best of the Best' in 2001.
