Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Mini Miss Jamaica Kimberley Salmon is flanked by first runner up Shadene Thorney (right) and second runner up Nadani Dixon following her coronation at the Hilton hotel in Kingston last Friday. - photo by Colin Hamilton

An eruption of cheers from the audience signaled the crowning of Kimberly Salmon as the new Mini Miss Jamaica last Friday at the Hilton hotel in Kingston.

Fourteen contestants remained from the eliminations months prior. They are: Nadani Dixon, Kimberly Salmon, Gabrielle Williams, Iesha Singleton, Racquel Hall, Shadene Thorney, Sadie Richards, Whitney Baker, Celine DeCambre, Ivana Chang, Camille Smelie, Monique Moncrieffe, Tashay Myers and Shamone King.

A fair number of persons filled the room awaiting the entrance of the contestants and after getting off to a late start, they entered the stage paying tribute to outstanding women around the world.

They came out adorably dressed as female leaders past and present such as Hilary Rodham Clinton, Princess Diana, Winnie Mandela, Portia Simpson, Joan of Arc, Indira Gandhi and others. It was not only a parade of costumes as the girls recited why they admired their chosen leaders.

Overall deportment

Months of rigorous grooming following elimination was evident in the manner in which the young ladies' overall deportment.

The second segment saw the girls strutting out in gym wear, introducing themselves and their career aspirations.

Several patrons screamed and proudly displayed elaborate signs in support of their favourite contestants.

The talent segment featured much dancing, singing, dancing and recitation, many of which were original pieces.

Ivana Chang wowed the crowd with a lovely butterfly costume as she recited 'I wish I was a Butterfly'.

It was Tashay Myers that brought a sombre moment to the audience as she brought out a poster with the pictures of children that were brutally murdered in recent times. After lighting candles for them she asked the crowd to share in a moment of silence in their memory. This was followed by a dub poem.

Question segment

As is it with the Miss Jamaica pageant, a question segment was included. Each contestant answered questions such as, 'Why should children should get an education?' and as well as ' Who was the wisest man according to the Bible?'

After a pause for the judges to deliberate, the sectional prizes were announced.

Ivana Chang received several, including, most disciplined, best smile, best groomed and most talented.

Celine DeCambre was deemed the 'most culturally aware', as well as the most promising.

Camille Smelie was the most original and was deemed best personality, Shadene Thorney was the most eloquent while Kimberly Salmon wore the best evening gown was the most aware, most intelligent and tied with Whitney Baker for most improved. Monique Moncrieffe was the most cooperative. Each contestant also got a trophy for their hard work throughout the planning and staging of the pageant.

After a tedious five hours, the top five girls were selected. In fifth place was Tashay Myers, in fourth place was Whitney Baker, second runner up was Nadani Dixon, first runner up was Shadene Thorney. Kimberley Salmon emerged victorious.

The beaming young lady accepted her crown from last year's queen Jillian Jo Taylor as the crowd cheered.