The Editor, Sir:
ON SUNDAY night, September 11, I was watching TVJ and was about to go to bed when the Miss Jamaica contest started. I had not watched it in a number of years because I had become disillusioned with the trend the competition had followed for far too long.
When the contestants came on stage I realised that most of them were the typical light skinned, straight haired 'Miss Jamaica material' that has been accepted and expected over the years. But then I saw Terry and I was pleasantly surprised. She was beautiful and natural and impressive and I wanted her to win.
THE PAST
But then, looking back at the past Miss Jamaica winners over the years, I was sceptical of her chance of winning. But she proved herself to be the queen material by winning the Most Congenial and the Most Aware trophies and cash awards. And then to level the playing field even more, in her favour, she picked up one of the Mini Miss Jamaica Awards. At that moment I just could not contain my delight. I jumped up and clapped my hands like a child on Christmas morn.
Her formal wear was beautiful and her handling of the question that was posed to her was even more admirable and epitomised her as the queen she is. Then came the time to announce the winners and it was as if I could hear a drum roll. I was sitting on the edge of my seat as the announcements of fifth place, fourth place, second runner-up, and first runner-up were announced. And then when the MC announced number 14 as the winner, I started dancing around and I think maybe I clicked my heels a time or two. I was happy, I was elated, I was so overjoyed, one would think that Terry was my friend, or relative or even an acquaintance, which she is not.
BEST OF THE LOT
And once again she proved herself the best of the lot by handling the two mishaps with the earring and the crown (which both fell off at different times) in a truly magnificent manner. Neither incident fazed her one bit. Terry deserves to win. It goes to show that Jamaica is truly a diverse culture and not one of only light-skinned, straight-haired beauties. And even though the public votes were not in her favour, I hope that Jamaicans will embrace and accept our beautiful intelligent queen as she takes up the mantle and travels abroad to represent us.
A new day has dawned on the Jamaican frontier and a happy one at that. A natural haired, dark-skinned beauty has won the title of Miss Jamaica. Go for it Terry. I am sure you will make us proud.
I am, etc.,
VIEVIENE DYER-BEDWARD
Mandeville
Manchester
