Miss Jamaica World Middlesex crowned

Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

The 2013 edition of Miss Jamaica World is in full swing and, on June 8, Lotoya Johnson, Miss Manchester Gas Distributors, copped the coveted Miss Jamaica World Middlesex title at the finals held at Golf View Hotel.

The 23-year-old, who is a graduate of Church Teachers' College, walked away with the top prize that will advance her to the upcoming Miss Jamaica World eliminations.

The event organised by Nikki Murray and coordinator Teresa Lyn Shue, had 10 girls entered this year from the parishes of Manchester and St Elizabeth.

Johnson, who hails from Bull Savannah, St Elizabeth, is a past student of Hampton High School for Girls. She told Outlook, "I am elated. I entered the pageant from the encouragement of family and friends. I wasn't a pageant person, but they (family and friends) pushed me to enter the St Elizabeth Festival Queen (2013), where I placed second. Nikki and Teresa saw me there and recruited me for the Miss Jamaica World contest, and I am happy that I entered."

The first runner-up was 20-year-old Candice Hayles while the second runner-up was 18-year-old Arianna Bartley

Johnson said it was a great experience entering the contest and that there was good camaraderie among the contestants throughout the competition.

She told Outlook that, when she was announced the winner, she froze. "The girls had to push me up on stage. I received no sectional prizes and that's why I was so shocked that I won. I was overwhelmed by the love I received from the other girls."

Lyn Shue noted, "These girls were easy to deal with, compared to previous years. They were willing to learn and took corrections well. We are confident that Latoya will do well at the eliminations."

Johnson plans to give it her best from here on. "I will be giving my all," she said. "I am really confident that I will do well there and make my family and friends proud."

The grand coronation of Miss Jamaica World 2013, takes place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on July 21.