Marcia Campbell, a 19-year-old student of Eastern Academy, was crowned "Miss Jamaica Independence 1982" at the New Kingston Hotel, securing a $1,000 cash prize, a trip to the Bahamas, and several other gifts. The event, produced by Mahogany Productions, featured ten contestants, with Campbell emerging as the crowd favourite. Sectional prizes highlighted various talents, with Jean Myers and Pamela Waul finishing as first and second runners-up, respectively.

Published Tuesday, August 24, 1962

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 ten 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 medallion from Silver Hut. She also received a surprise gift of a mahogany chair from Skill 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, accompanied by fine music by the Solid Vibrations Band, 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 first runner-up, Pamela Waul, Miss Pest Control and Associates, was second runner-up, while Joan Reece ‘Miss Joy Vassell Design, and Jeneve Rose, “Miss Porter Brothers, placed 4th and 5th, respectively.

Sectional prizes were also awarded. They went to Marcia Campbell, “Best Figure and Most Disciplined", $150 for each prize; Jean Myers, “Best Personality, $200; "Best Legs”$150 and “Most Photogenic”, of an occasional armchair from Wicker Wonderland, “Most Knowledgeable on Jamaica" receiving the Mutual Life Trophy, and “Most Improved’ caring $150 was Jeneve Rose “Miss Porter Brothers, while Joan Reece, “Miss Joy Vassell Design", was “Most Intelligent", gaining $200.

Marcia Francis, “Miss Erwin Keller Jewellery", received the prizes for ‘Most Talented’ $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 Brisett 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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