Yendi returns with encouragement
Published:Saturday | August 28, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Miss Universe first runner-up Yendi Phillipps is urging the island's youths to follow their passion and to be unwavering in the pursuit of their dreams.
"We live in a world of infinite possibilities, limitless opportunities and a bundle of blessings and I think it's important never to give up," said Phillipps, who created history for Jamaica by placing second in the Miss Universe 2010 competition in Las Vegas on Monday night.
Phillipps topped more than 80 other contestants from across the world and was only beaten by Mexico's Jimena Mavarrett.
She is the first Jamaican to be placed so high in the 59-year pageant.
"I am proud to say that I am part of that group of Jamaican history makers who have a talent of being amazingly tremendous," Phillipps told an intimate group of dignitaries. The group included Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Tourism Director John Lynch, who met her on arrival at the Sangster International Airport yesterday.
Also on hand were two members of the 'Yendi Team', Angelie Spencer and Nicole Haughton and her partner, Asafa Powell.
Represented with charm
In welcoming Phillipps home, Golding said she represented the country with dignity and charm.
"You brought immense pleasure to the hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans who watched the competition with intensity," Golding said.
Recalling a promise that Phillipps made to him en route to Las Vegas, Golding said: "You told me you were going to make Jamaica proud, and you did exactly that."
Meanwhile, Powell, who sat in the audience at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas on Monday night with her family, said it was nerve wracking for him to watch her on stage.
"I didn't know what to expect," he told The Gleaner.
He said his nervous moments were replaced with excitement as Phillipps progressed.
"I wasn't surprised at how well she did. She is very determined, and she worked very hard," the former world-record holder said.
And despite returning home without the crown, Phillipps was thankful. She told the gathering that she has achieved the ultimate in her goals and that is what matters most.
"This comes down to the Creator; He was there with me throughout the competition, guiding my path," Phillipps said.
The Miss Universe runner-up also addressed the issue of her response to the question asked by one of the judges.
Many Jamaicans have suggested that her mention of 'God', in addressing the question of capital punishment, robbed her of the crown. However, that is not a view Phillipps shares. In fact, she said that she would give the same response all over again.