Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer
Kimberly Atkinson won first place in INK Promotions model and talent competition 2006, held at the Hilton Kingston hotel, New Kingston, on Sunday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
KIMBERLY ATKINSON and a friend will be driven to dinner at Terrace Café Restaurant by Century Tours and Limousine Service.
This is either before or after she spends a weekend at Village Hotel or has visited a Caribbean destination of her choice. The student earned these privileges when she was awarded first place at INK Promotions model competition 2006.
The model and talent competition, held at the Hilton KIngston hotel, New Kingston, on Sunday, was the company's first production, which it hopes will be an annual affair.
Among the other winners was Kemar Connally, the $100,000 winner of the talent competition. Eighteen persons were awarded contracts with INK. The company will develop, expose and market their talents.
ACCEPTABLE MODELS
The 28 finalists who were discovered in St. Ann, St. Catherine, Clarendon and Kingston were marshalled and groomed for the show on Sunday.
But while the models were acceptable, only few needed more practice walking, some talent entrants left one wondering about the quality of those who were eliminated.
The talent segment included many crooners, rappers, and DJs. The show itself flowed well with very few hitches.
The model hopefuls, male and female, showcased designs by Ian White of Gary's Fashions, Marlon Bolton of Zahni, Carl Sway and Pam Rodney-White.
From the beginning, Atkinson was a crowd favourite as she was always lively and smiling, bouncing comfortably down the stage. Everyone cheered when she was announced winner. She was so happy, she jumped off the stage before completing her 'victory walk' and hugged the judges.
DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE
Connally's performance was just as dramatic as he lay on stage and covered his face for about three minutes after he was announced the winner.
His winning piece was more a dub poetry than deejay. In it, Connally lashed out at men who ignore their mothers for their girlfriends. Although his lyrics were simple, he was very emotional during his performance, and had to 'pull up' twice as the crowd laughed and screamed.
INK Promotion and Distribution Company Limited was established to make a difference in the way people view events, products, talents and skills, with an emphasis on developing talents in young people, according to manager, Bruce Williams.
The aim is to bring ideas from imagination, to the eyes of the world.
