Nathelie Taylor, Gleaner Writer
Sashane McDonald, centre, the new Miss Kingston and St. Andrew Festival Queen, is flanked by Jaydene Thomas, second runner-up, (right) and Maria Robinson, first runner-Up at the coronation show 2005, held at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, Hope Road last Sunday. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
SASHANE MCDONALD'S victory came as no suprise. The very accomplished 24-year-old tiny, but tallawah, young woman captured the Miss Kingston and St. Andrew Festival Queen title virtually hands down last Sunday night. Second runner-up went to 24-year-old Jaydene Thomas, while Maria Robinson, 21, copped second place.
The contest, held at the colourfully-decorated Louise Bennett Garden Theatre a red, green and gold-themed event which was wonderfully aided by the exquisite gowns provided by Shades Of Africa started half hour late at 7:30 p.m. due to earlier rains.
However, the entertaining presentations of the 11 bright and beautiful contestants were well worth the wait. Other entertainment was provided by the Wolmer's Dance Troupe and a lively cabaret section by many time Festival Song winner Roy Rayon. The production of the show itself was also of a good standard, although hitches with the mikes during the talent segment did put a cloud over the event. In the end though, patrons left feeling pleased.
BUBBLING PERSONALITY
McDonald stood out from the start. Her small stature was made up in bounds by her wide smile and bubbling personality which was particularly exposed during the personal introduction section. In the first group of three, McDonald sashayed her way on stage to the distinct sound of African music, and walked right into the hearts of patrons with her well-spoken introduction that highlighted her many achievements and future ambitions. Looks of wonderment invariably crossed faces in the audience as they learnt that this former Immaculate student holds a first class honours degree in law, an M.Sc. in criminal justice and criminology and was also a recipient of the Prime Minister's Youth Award for Excellence.
Her talent was also patriotically stirring. Decked in a track suit in the guise of a Jamaican Olympian, (many audience members audibly thought she imitated Veronica Campbell) McDonald stood on the 'podium', medal around her neck and hand on her heart as the chorus of the Jamaican anthem propelled her into her talent piece. Meandering around the stage and involving the audience almost conversationally, McDonald's piece spoke to why she was proud to be Jamaican, pointing out that patois, Rastafarianism, reggae, our dance moves and the people were like no other.
TOP FIVE
McDonald, sponsored by Sunshine Auto Parts Ltd., also aced her interview. Everyone expected that she was going to be in the top five and eagerly listened as she answered what she thought of the Festival Queen Competition. Standing lovely in a red, floor-length, gown provided by Shades of Africa with a red flower in her naturally-styled, upswept hair, she took a couple seconds to assimilate the question then blew everyone away with her well-articulated answer as she pointed out the virtues of the contest. A rousing applause immediately enveloped her as soon as she finished speaking.
In addition to the title, McDonald also received two sectional prizes Most Culturally Aware and Most Congenial, and in the end walked away with $45,000 in cash in addition to other gift packages.
