Beautiful Jamaica

THE EDITOR, Madam:

With Toni-Ann Singh, as 2019 nears its close, becoming the fourth Jamaican woman in the history of the prestigious Miss World Pageant to win the Miss World crown, the world has, once again, witnessed just how exceptional Jamaicans are.

This surprise Christmas gift for our nation comes at a time when Jamaica has the best stock market in the world; when Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce just copped the PanAm Best Female Athlete of the Year Award, at its inaugural staging in Fort Lauderdale; when Jamaica’s rating from the world renowned credit rating’s agency, Moody’s, climbed from B-3 to B-2, and promoted Jamaica’s outlook from a positive to a stable one; and when Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards voted Jamaica as the best destination in the Caribbean, and among the 14 best destinations in the world. Beyond the latter, in 2019, Jamaica was awarded the title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination’ by the World Travel Awards.

INVITE MISS NIGERIA

Interestingly, remarkably and coincidentally, on three of the four occasions that a Jamaican won the Miss World competition – Carole Joan Crawford in 1963, Cindy Breakspeare in 1976, and Toni-Ann Singh in 2019 – the Coronation show was held in London.

What will forever be etched on my mind was the unbridled, unexpected and unprecedented excitement and sheer joy that was displayed by top five Miss World 2019 finalist, Nyekachi Douglas (Miss Nigeria), towards her fellow contestant and finalist, Toni-Ann Singh, upon hearing the latter being declared the winner.

During the official celebrations to mark Miss Singh’s victory, as a mark of appreciation and affection, Miss Douglas should be accorded a special invitation to Jamaica.

Congrats, Toni-Ann!

PATRICK GALLIMORE