n a week filled with grand festivities, Judy Verity was named "Miss Jamaica 1954".  Her jubilation was unmistakable as she gracefully accepted her well-deserved accolade after drying her tears of joy. She was adorned in a captivating evening gown crafted by Issa, featuring a lace strapless bodice that accentuated her shapely 35", 23", 35" figure.

Published Monday, October 25, 1954

Judy Verity crowned ‘Miss Jamaica 1954’

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD JUDY VERITY was crowned “Miss Jamaica 1954” at the Myrtle Bank Hotel to the cheers of a huge crowd.

This was the grand climax of “Beauty Contest Week” in which there was a float parade, tea parties at the Woman’s Club and the Royal rum punch parties at Hotel Flamingo, a bathing suit parade also at the Flamingo, a dance at the Glass Bucket Club, and dinner at the Manor House Hotel.

The announcement was made at midnight by Mr Bill McLurg, chairman of the judges, after the 16 contestants had paraded on a magnificent gold, white and blue dais on the lawns of the Myrtle Bank.

‘Tears of joy’

Runners-up were Caroline Sowley and Dorothy DeLisser, who were also favourites with the public.

Judy Verity burst into tears of joy at the announcement, but soon recovered her poise.  Wearing an evening gown of white lace and nylon tulle she presented a regal appearance.

An Issa creation, it was fashioned with a strapless bodice of lace, which fitted tightly down to the hips where it merged into a wide circular skirt sweeping the ground

A tulle stole topped this creation which showed off her well-proportioned figure to perfection.  Her measurements are 35”,23’,35”.

The big moment of the contest – the “coronation” – was performed by last year’s titlist, Evelyn Andrade, who herself wore white.

The Hon  R.W. Youngman, chairman of the contest committee, congratulated and kissed the new “queen” and placed on her the regal purple sash inscribed with gold lettering “Miss Jamaica 1954”.

Prizes won by Miss Verity included a two-week trip to London and Paris, given by Martin’s Travel Service; a screen test, by the J. Arthur Bank Organisation; the Goya Cup, given by Distributor’s Ltd; a bedside radio given by Levy Bros; a modelling course with Gertrude Sherman’s Mannequin Club, one year’s Redifusion service by Radio Jamaica; negligee and gown by NuWear Garments native handicrafts by Jamaica Welfare Ltd; a travelling clock by the Jamaica Furnishing Co Ltd, and Jamaican wood picture frame by Stanley Motta.

The second and third prize winners, as well as the other contestants, also received prizes.

During the prize-giving there were some impromptu donors.

Mr Christopher B. Hills donated 2,500 francs for “Miss Jamaica” to spend in Paris.  Mr L.J. Taylor, of the National Dry Cleaning Company, donated one year’s service of dry-cleaning to both runners-up.

To the third prize-winner, Mr David Lyons of Lyons Ltd gave a Pye bedside radio, and Mr Peter Waeckerlin, of Coruba House, gave two bottles of Mumms Gordon Rouge 47 champagne.

Prizes in the Float Parade awarded to Esso Standard Oil Goya (Distributors) Ltd, and B.W.I.A. were also distributed.

Reva Webb received the Esso prize and the Goya prize was handed to Sheila and Joyce Nasralla and Shirley Galan.  Mrs Lucy Radcliffe received the prize on behalf of B.W.I.A.

After the prize-giving, the gathering broke into gay informality for a few minutes, during which the other participants and some members,  who all looked lovely in their evening gowns, were Audrey Leon, Yvonne Byles, Greta Rodriques, Reva Webb, Jean Forrester, Sheila Nasralla, Elizabeth Flowers, Shirley Galan, Glenda D’Oyen, Jennifer Campbell, Joyce Nasralla, Patricia Alford and Norma Stanley.

Judges of the contest were Mr MeLurg, Mr and Mrs Victor Powell, Mrs V. Keating, Mr George Desnoes and Mr Edgar Stewart.

Parade tonight

Michael Howells, who did a good job as emcee throughout, congratulated the contest committee on “a fine show”.  He said it had been sponsored by the Jamaica Amateur Body Building Association for the second year in succession and the association aimed to make it an annual event.

He also announced that “Miss Jamaica” and the other contestants who will parade at Carib Theatre tonight were the Hon R.W. Youngman,  Mr Harry Vendryes, Mr Ken Rhino (who is also president of the Jamaica Amateur Body Building Association), Mr Donald Bernard.  Mrs Gertrude Sherman, Mr Pat Byles, Mrs Winston Lyon, Mr Ivan Levy, Lady Allan, Mrs Elias Ammar, Mrs Harold Brodhurst, Mrs Ronald Bengry, Mrs Owen Plant and Mr Sam Levy.

 

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