Judges had the difficult task of choosing 16 finalists from the 28 contestants at the National Arena. The women paraded in gorgeous bathing suits with the intention of gaining sponsors for the Miss Jamaica Beauty Contest.

Published Monday, July 7,1969

Sixteen Miss Jamaica semi-finalists chosen at National Arena

Beauty, fashion and the compelling rhythm of reggae made the National Arena came alive yesterday as 16 semi-finalists in the Miss Jamaica Beauty Contest were chosen from the 28 parish representatives.

Hundreds of people turned up to see the selection of the semi-finalists, one of whom will be crowned Miss Jamaica 1969. Sponsors drew lots for the girls and pinned their sashes on them.The 16 are Miss John R. Wong, Dawn Bachstetz of Kingston and St Andrew; Miss Colgate Palmolive, Janice Bramwell of Manchester; Miss New Yorker, Angela Campbell of St Mary; Miss Sheraton-Kingston. Marjorie Cooke of Kingston and St Andrew; Miss Technical Associates, Marlene Lee of St Catherine; Miss Hotel Flamingo, Moya Lee of Portland; Miss Singer, Sonya Lyn of St Elizabeth; Miss Motor Owners, Sheila Neil of Kingston and St Andrew; Miss Kenwood, Beverley Riley of St Mary, Miss Miami Stores, Hope Robb of St James; Miss Karram Bros, Viola Scott of Manchester; Miss Prestige Homes Ltd, Cynthia Steer of St James; Miss Asphalt Paving, Cynthia Stewart of St Ann; Miss Stylaneze, Marlyn Taylor of Kingston and St Andrew; Miss Eve, Audrey Townsend of St Thomas; and Miss Modern Furnishing Co, Gem Walcott of Trelawny.

Before the judges announced the semi-finalists, the 28 contestants, in bathing suits, paraded twice on stage. The 12 girls who were not selected received participation medals, presented by Mr Alty Edwards, chairman of the Miss Jamaica Beauty Contest Committee.There was a fun-packed programme emceed by Buddy Pouyatt with the Mighty Vikings on the bandstand, featuring singers Derrick Harriott, Sonny and Victor Wong,  and Bongo Les. Bongo Herman also entertained on the drums.

A highlight of the entertainment was the performance of the Fabulous Flames. They executed their popular James Brown-style dancing, which drew loud applause from the audience.The reggae in various forms was demonstrated by two groups, the Victors and the Alley Primary School Dancers.Stripes, the Festival fashion theme for 1969, were featured in a fashion show, 'Stripes for 69', presented by Miami Stores. Casual wear for 'guys' and 'dolls' and stripes of various combinations and colours were modelled.

Boogaloo

One of the male models, Eddie Thomas, designer, nearly brought the house down as he did the Boogaloo while modelling the bell-bottomed hipster pants in red and white stripes teamed with a see-through, puff-sleeved white shirt and a large matching striped tie.Paul Noble emceed the fashion show.Among the audience and wearing striped shirts were Minister of Finance and Planning, the Hon Edward Seaga, and Victor Lyn of the Festival Office.Judges were Chairman Jim Kerr, Dr Sydney Williams, B. St J Hylton, Kay Lyons, Carmen Wellington, Eugene Hyde, Mr Hendrickson, Arthur Yap Chung, Major Leslie Lloyd, and Valerie Levy.The 16 semi-finalists will stay at Olympia Hotel from July 12 until August 2 when Miss Jamaica will be crowned at the National Arena. The second and third prize winners will be titled Miss Independence and Miss Festival, respectively.During their stay at the Olympia, contestants will be groomed and will visit places of interest. They will also attend two other public judging functions, the Water Pageant on July 25, at the pool enclosure of the National Stadium, and the Montego Bay Spectacular on July 26 and 27.

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