Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
Miss Jamaica World 2005, Terri-Karelle Griffith. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
TERRI-KARELLE Griffith, Miss Jamaica World 2005, is as busy as a bee as she prepares for the Miss World 2005 contest in China.
Since being crowned in September, she has been going through training sessions with several persons. Norma Brown-Bell has been helping her with diction, speech and interview skills, and also looking at the way questions should be answered on an international level. "She throws questions at me and teaches me when to make eye contact, when to smile and when to gesticulate," explained Terri-Karelle.
Bev Corke deals with grooming, deportment, poise and etiquette, sharpening Terri-Karelle's walk and maintaining her poise. Corke also deals with personal grooming, hair, make-up, when to wear a cocktail dress and general social graces.
TALENT PIECE
Tony Wilson deals with the choreography of the creative dance which she plans to do for her talent piece.
Terri-Karelle has been getting her wardrobe together for her many engagements in China. Bling Bling is sponsoring her day wear. "The clothes are hip, but still elegant, in keeping with the pageant wear," she said. Uzuri is sponsoring what Terr-Karelle calls 'statement pieces', including cocktail and elegant wear, as well as the final gown.
She is also active in the gym, putting the final touches on her figure.
"I am relaxed so far. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. I'm happy with the team working with me. They've been pulling all the stops and fine-tuning my strengths. I'm privileged to be working with them. I'm very pleased with the work of the sponsors as well," said Terri-Karelle.
She is gathering Jamaican items to leave at the places in China which she visits. These include stones and pebbles, photographs of unique Jamaican flora, good luck charms, books on Jamaica and other things for a planned charity auction.
Terri-Karelle is also working on some personal matters. "I'm doing driving lessons. I want to get my driver's licence so I can help with promotions for Sterling Motors. I'm getting a general. I think I'm competent," Terri-Karelle she said.
She leaves on Wednesday for China and says "I never settle for less than the best".
Based on her experiences on the road and at the supermarket, she believes the public has embraced her. "The public reaction has been great, from the John Public that I've met. They are so warm; they hug me and encourage me. The most popular comment I've got from them is 'we have a feeling you going to do well'," said Terri-Karelle.
Terri-Karelle put off school until the pageant commitments are honoured. However, she will return to complete her final year in veterinary medicine in Cuba.
