By Adrian Frater, News Editor
Reigning Ms. Jamaica Universe Sanya Hughes (centre) crowning the new Ms. Jamaica Universe Cornwall Nadia Rushedge (seated) at the Half Moon Conference Centre on Saturday night. At left is first runner-up Sherolette Samuels and at right is second runner-up Natesha Jameison. - Contributed
WESTERN BUREAU:
NADIA RUSHEDGE, 22, emerged winner at last Saturday night's inaugural Miss Jamaica Universe Cornwall Pageant, at the Half Moon Hotel, in Montego Bay, when she walked away with the coveted title and over $500,000 in cash and prizes.
"I am extremely pleased. Winning this title means a great deal to me," said an elated Nadia, who wore the sash Ms. Sandals Inn. "I am now setting my sights on the Miss Jamaica Universe title; hopefully I will be able to do well there too."
Rushedge, who took the sectional prize for being the 'Most Aware' among the 16 contestants, won $20,000 in cash, prize trip for two to the United States and the Eastern Caribbean, a 26-inch television set and video, two promotional Web sites, five weekends for two at various local hotels and a gold watch among other prizes.
Sherolette Samuels, Ms. Sandals Negril, had the distinction of copping the sectional award for the contestant with the 'Best Personality', and was in the first runner-up slot, while Natesha Jameison, Ms. El Greco, took third place.
"It was one of the best pageants I have been involved in," said franchise holder Lachu Ramchandani. "What was particularly pleasing was that the crowd favourite emerged the winner," he said.
While the charming contestants held centre stage for most of the afternoon, they were forced to share the spotlight with the dazzling supporting entertainment package, which benefited from the considerable expertise of pageant aficionado Weston Haughton.
The package, which had a mix of fashion and music, featured breathtaking dancing by tap dancers Janice Walters and Andrew Martin and eye-catching fashion from 'Irie Threads' from Cuzzu Boutique and the Bob Marley Experience.
From the moment the girls hit centre stage during the introductory dancing routine by the Fabian Thomas-managed Theatrical Artistic Performance, through their swimwear and formal wear segment, it was clear that they had an appreciative audience. However, it was during the interviews that the girls really impressed as they had the patrons, including Kingsley Cooper, the chief executive officer of Pulse International, nodding in approval.
"I am so impressed that in addition to the top three, I intend to take another five of the girls to the Miss Jamaica Universe Grand Final, in Kingston," said Ram-chandani, who said all 16 contestants got a minimum of $50,000 in cash and prizes. "I honestly think I have a Miss Universe in the lot," he said.
