Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer

Dixon

London England:

Among the many duties, plans and aspirations of Miss Jamaica United Kingdom 2007, a final-year, medical student, is to return to Jamaica and practise her skills. The 22-year-old Danielle Dixon, who won last November in London, told Flair, "My plan is to return to Jamaica after completing medical training in the UK. I intend to gain some experience and take it back to Jamaica, to contribute to the society that laid the foundation for my ability to achieve my dreams.

"I intend to do my elective in Jamaica over the period of Christmas 2009, so that I can understand what the health-care system in Jamaica is like; that way, I can get a taste of practising medicine in Jamaica in order to guide my decision to move back home in the future. In Jamaica, I hope to gain insights into what I can do as a doctor to enhance the care of Jamaicans, particularly those in the rural areas," she told Flair.

Her challenge

When Dixon won the title, she had taken on a challenge to make more of Jamaica's culture, lifestyle, creativity and exceptional positive qualities vibrate across Britain, while at the same time continuing her studies. The Campion College past student left Jamaica after third form in 1999. So far, she has done an attachment in psychiatry and is about to start orthopaedics, rheumatology and dermatology at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Dixon has enjoyed her year as a beauty queen. "I enjoyed going to all the functions associated with the Jamaican community in the United Kingdom, as well as those events on my visit to Jamaica last summer. Academically, I was able to complete a BSc degree and I have also progressed as a medical student, so things are very positive at the moment," she told Flair.

Dixon attributes her successes to her parents who have always been very supportive of her. Her decision to become a doctor came after reading Dr Ben Carson's autobiography, Gifted Hands. "I read it in third form and I knew that I did not want to do anything else."

Worthy cause

The Miss Jamaica UK competition, which is in its 19th year, has 15 contestants this year. It has been endorsed by the Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange and part proceeds will assist the Jamaica Early Childhood Development Foundation. Sponsors are GraceKennedy, GV Media and Jamaica Tourist Board.

Founder and organiser, June Daley, noted that the event, over the years, has contributed to several charities in Jamaica and has been an integral part of projecting a positive image of Jamaica in the United Kingdom. "I am looking forward to the 20th staging already, it has been good and, the winners over the years have represented Jamaica well and Dixon has been an outstanding ambassador," Daley said.