The 1966 Miss St James, then 20-year-old Jean Ann Young was crowned exactly 56 years ago today. Pageants have a long history in Jamaica, with the country using its parishes to come up with beautiful women for international competition from the length and breadth of its shores.

Published July 6, 1966

Miss St. James chosen at poolside dance

Jean Ann Young, 20-year-old sales representative for the International TELEPHONE Directory Service, is “Miss St. James 1966. Her selection from a field of 13 contestants and crowning by Miss St. James 1965 took place on Saturday, July 2 at a poolside dance at Casa Montego Hotel in Montego Bay.

Frances Passailaigue, 20-year-old airline, clerk of Pan American Airways, was the runner up, while Allison Foster, 18, employed to the Montego Liquor Store here placed third.

Miss Young is the daughter of Mr and Mrs H. Young of Montego Bay. Miss Passailaigue is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Clarence Passailaigue.

Miss Foster is the daughter of Police Superintendent and Mrs A.N. Foster of Montego Bay.

Miss St. James 1966, whose main prize was £100 was sponsored by Half Moon Hotel and will be sponsored by Northern Industrial Garage, in the "Miss Jamaica1966” beauty contest. The runner-up; was sponsored by Pan American Airways while the third-place winner was sponsored by Colony Hotel.

Miss St. James 1966 was a favourite of the large and enthusiastic audience who encouraged her loudly as the contestants paraded in evening gowns followed by swimsuits.  Her other prizes included a commercial hairdryer, a diamond dinner ring, a cosmetic set.  Judges were Mr Barry Watson, chairman and Miss Jamaica 1966’ Central Organizing Committee, Mr Roddy Lake, Mrs Doreen Wells, Senior Superintendent Owen Stephenson, and Dr Ludlow Burke.  

Other prominent persons who attended included, Mr. Walter Fletcher, acting Custos of the parish, Dr Arthur Eldemire, President of the Montego Bay, Chamber of Commerce Miss Nora Keene, Miss Dorothy Gourzong, hairstylist for the contestants, Mr Eric Williams, emceed the function. The Casa Montego Band provided music for the occasion. 

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