It was a celebratory mood at the New Kingston Hotel with the staging of the Miss Jamaica Independence 1982. The crowd was visibly impressed with the entertainment package, and the contestants were treated to several sectional prizes.

Published Tuesday, August 24, 1982

Nineteen-year-old student is Miss Jamaica Independence

NINETEEN-YEAR OLD Marcia Campbell, ‘Miss Ferguson's Studio of Photography’, was crowned 'Miss Jamaica Independence 1982' on Sunday night at the New Kingston Hotel.  The show was produced by Mahogany Productions.

A student of Eastern Academy, Marcia won the title from a field of 10 contestants, gaining for herself a $1,000 cash prize plus a trip to the Bahamas, courtesy of Jewellerama, a gift voucher valued at $200 from Wicker Wonderland, and a medallion from Silver Hut. She also received a surprise gift of a mahogany chair from Skills Furnishing Company.

Patron of the contest, the Minister of State for Culture, the Hon Ed Bartlett, and Mrs Bartlett, headed the large audience which turned out to support their favourites.  The audience was appreciative of the evening's presentation, which was accompanied by fine music by the Solid Vibrations Band and saw the finalists parading in swimwear and in evening gowns or showing off their talents in one special segment.

Jean Myers, 'Miss Skill Furnishing', was the first runner-up, Pamela Waul, 'Miss Pest Control and Associates', was the second runner-up, while Joan Reece's, 'Miss Joy Vassell Design', and Jeneive Rose, 'Miss Porter Brothers', placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

Sectional prizes were also awarded. Marcia Campbell was awarded 'Best figure and most disciplined'.  She received $150 for each prize. Jean Myers was awarded 'Best personality' and received $200 for 'Best legs', $150 and the most photogenic prize of an armchair from Wicker Wonderland. The 'Most knowledgeable on Jamaica', receiving the Mutual Life Trophy and 'Most improved', earning $150, was Jeneive Rose 'Miss Porter Brothers', while Joan Reece 'Miss Joy Vassell Design', was 'Most intelligent',  gaining $200.

Marcia Francis, 'Miss Erwin Keller Jewellery', received the prize for 'Most talented', which was  $300, and for the contestant with the 'Best smile', $200. Petal Ferguson, 'Miss Smith’s Printing Services', received $150 for being 'Most congenial' and a prize of dinner for two, courtesy of the New Kingston Hotel.

The audience showed its approval of the trendy styles featured by designers Winsome Stewart, Joy Vassell and Daniel, in the fashion show.  The styles ranged from the ever-daring mini to mid-calf evening dresses, as well as sporty suits for the men.

The talent section was also enthusiastically received as the finalists performed items of poetry, sang, danced or modelled, as their contribution to the entertainment.

'Miss Jamaica Independence 1981' Grace Brissett, made her final walk to loud cheers before sashing and crowning the new queen.

Marcia, the audience’s favourite from the start, said “I feel great” when asked how she felt on hearing her name announced as the winner of the title.  She made her victory walk and returned to be serenaded with Three Times a Lady by Eon Knibb of the Solid Vibrations Band.

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