By YOLANDE GYLES, Staff Reporter
Sanya Hughes, who took the Miss Jamaica Universe title on Sunday night is flanked by third place contestant Kayann Sunarth on the left and Violent Chang, right, the runner-up to the new queen. The Grand Coronation was held at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston. - Winston Sill/ Staff Photographer
"I MUST say I am very proud, I know I can do it and I will, to the best of my ability, to represent my country." That was what Miss Jamaica Universe 2002, Sanya Hughes told The Gleaner shortly after her coronation on Sunday night.
The 19-year-old was crowned in a lovely ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston.
Along with the crown and the chance to represent the country at this year's Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico, Miss Hughes took home a million dollars in cash, a wardrobe worth $200,000, a trip for two to London and a weekend for two at Beaches Grand Sport in Ocho Rios.
First runner-up was 26-year-old former Miss Jamaica USA Violet Chang, while the second runner-up spot went to 23-year-old Kayann Sunarth.
As the young women took the stage, the crowd singled out Sanya Hughes, Violet Chang, Racquel Bryan, Tanisa Samuel and Olivia Leigh Campbell as their favourites. A few others, former Miss Jamaica World Ayisha Richards, Shanique Johnson and Fiona Fennel, had their own cheering section but it was clear from the outset who the contenders would be.
The final six were whittled down after parading in swimwear by Spunk and formal wear by Uzuri International and Profile. Emcee Paula Ann Porter told the audience that the judges had tried to pick only the top five but were forced to name six because the competition was so stiff.
In addition to Hughes, Chang, and Sunarth, the top six included Tanisa Samuels, Olivia Leigh Campbell and Ayisha Richards.
In the interview segment which followed, most the contestants held their own favourably with Olivia Leigh Campbell getting top marks for the most original answer. She was asked if she could be a tree what tree would she be and why. To that the charming Miss Campbell answered: "A breadfruit tree because it provides lots of comfort and lots of food to lots of people, and I would like to be a comfort and provider for people. I would try to be the best breadfruit tree I could be."
The most bewildering answer came from Sanya Hughes who, in describing her best traits, told the audience that it was her "compassionateness."At that point, her staunch supporters began to believe that she had clearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
In the end, however, she triumphed to take home the crown.
SECTIONAL PRIZES
Best Hair went to Violet Chang.
Most Congenial to Racquel Bryan.
Best Smile to Ayisha Richards.
Most Aware, Best Figure and Best Legs to Sanya Hughes.
The ladies were not all that shone that night, as cabaret King A.J Brown provided fabulous entertainment, while Shawn made the crowd sit up, listen and enjoy her selections.
The judges were Observer writer Novia McDonald Whyte, artist Lois Sherwood, former cricketer Maurice Foster, businesswoman Sophia Max Brown, businessman E. George Hosang, Marketing Manager for Hot 102 Nathalie St. Louis, businessman Juno Boyer, former Miss Jamaica and International Model Kimberly Mais Issa and Miss Venezuela 2001 Eva Ekvall.
