By Eddie J. Grant Contributor 
Tamika Wilson (centre) is flanked by Tamika Perreir ( left) first runner-up, and Estonia Usher, second runner-up.
TORONTO: 21 year-old, Jamaican-born Tamika N. Wilson, was declared winner of Miss Black Canada Pageant, recently. She was one of seven Jamaicans, who entered the competition and was named the overall winner from a field of 27 contestants.
Miss Wilson, who hails from the parish of St. Andrew, held her fist in the air and shouted "Yes!" when the announcement was made.
Another Jamaican, Colisa Henry, who was named in the top five, came fourth.
According to reports, Wilson and Henry tied for the Communications Award of Excel-lence prize. Meanwhile another Jamaican, Danielle Brantford, although not included in the top five walked with awards for Best Talent and Best Costume.
Miss Wilson, a University of Toronto student, majoring in Spanish and sociology, with aspirations of going to study law, has already won the 1997 Miss Jamaica Canada Beauty Pageant, which was discontinued.
In the talent segment of the show, Miss Wilson "brought the house down" with her presentation of a skit titled, Workaholic, written by Jamaican comedienne, Joan Andrea Hutchinson. This presentation along with her well-handled interview, made her an instant crowd-favourite.
In an interview Miss Wilson told The Gleaner, "I did not perform very well at the pre-judging of contestants. I was not comfortable. But, I told myself, if I could just make it to the top 10, I would be happy. But when I answered my final question, I knew I had a chance".
First runner-up was Estonia Usher, a Zimbabwean, who was also very popular with the audience, was voted Miss Con-geniality and also won the President Award.
Tamika Perreira, Guyanese, was voted second runner-up.
Among the judges were Dr. Saphire Longmore, Miss Jamaica Universe 2000.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, who was also a judge, addressed the audience. She told them about her experiences in other pageants, including Miss Black Teenage Pageant in New York.
- Contributed
