In a dazzling night of beauty and excitement at the Wyndham New Kingston, Michelle Hall, 17, was crowned Miss Jamaica Universe 1990, while Nicola McLaughlin took home the Miss Jamaica International title. The event, hosted by Pulse Limited, saw 25 stunning contestants showcase their talent, poise, and personality, with Charmian Gammon named runner-up to the two queens. 

Published Wednesday, March 31, 1990

Mixed reaction greets Miss Jamaica Universe '90

By Crescencia Leon Medhurst

Boos mixed with thunderous applause met the announcement of Michelle Hall, 17, 'Miss Training Camp' as Miss Jamaica Universe 1990 at the Wyndham New Kingston last Saturday night.
For the spectacular and for entertainment, it was one of the best presentations by Pulse Limited.
Two queens were crowned. Michelle Hall, 17, won the Miss Jamaica Universe 1990 title and gathered $50,000 in cash and prizes. Nicola McLaughlin, who placed second in the contest, won the Miss Jamaica International title. Runner-up to the two queens is Charmian Gammon.
Early in the evening, 25 beauties made a dramatic and colourful entrance with a spectacular display of carnival costumes complete with headdresses and standards.
For a period, the carnival sequence succeeded in diverting the focus away from the serious business of picking the best combination of body, face, and intelligence. However, in lightning-fast changes, the contestants returned to the stage to strut their measurements in colourful Spunk swimwear designed with a black inset in the centre of the one-piece suit.
Swimwear appearance
The line for the final swimwear appearance had a novel touch — masquerade ball masks were introduced. Usually, these flirtatious masks were designed to be worn with period costumes for 18th-century balls. They worked on Saturday, minus the skirts of crinoline.
Similarly, there was a line-up of 25 girls after the formal wear.
Then, each contestant appeared carrying a pastel-shaded balloon shaped like an Easter egg, with floral arrangements and a gift of Oil of Olay inside each balloon.
At this point in the programme, the contestants were serenaded by Freddie McGregor with And So I’ll Wait For You.
The semi-finals selected 10 beauties from the contestants and presented them to the audience in no particular order or sequence. Included were Kafi Virtue, 17, 'Miss Soft ‘n’ Dri Deodorant'; Jordana Matthews, 23, 'Miss Heritage House'; Tara Chin, 22, 'Miss Courtleigh'; Nicola McLaughlin, 21, 'Miss Lander Cosmetics'; Allison Sutherland, 20, 'Miss Purelene Cocoa Butter Lotion'; Michelle Hall, 17, 'Miss Training Camp'; Marsha Harris, 18, 'Miss Bargain Rent-a-Car'; Charmian Gammon, 24, 'Miss Renaissance'; Michelle Plummer, 22, 'Miss Tone'; and Cindy Fenton, 23, 'Miss Acropolis Disco'.
The five finalists were presented again in no order or sequence. However, a look at their heights revealed that names were mentioned in order of height. The contestants were Nicola McLaughlin, 5’4”; Tara Chin, 5’5”; Charmian Gammon, 5’7”; Kafi Virtue, 5’8”; and Michelle Hall, 5’9”.
Before the two queens and the runner-up were named, sectional prizes were presented.
Michelle Hall won 'Best Smile','Most Photogenic', and shared the prize for 'Most Aware' with Nicola McLaughlin. Michelle Plummer, one of the 10 finalists, won 'Best Figure' and 'Most Congenial'. Donna Montaque, 'Miss Curved Space', who was not in the 10 finalists, won 'Best Legs'.
The crowning and sashing were done by last year’s winner, Miss Jamaica Universe Sandra Foster.
Entertainment was provided by City Heat band.

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.