Miss Portland Festival Queen 2007, Janique Mckenzie,19, introduces herself to the audience at the Parish Coronation Show held at Boundbrook Wharf on Saturday, April 28. - Contributed

Gareth Davis, Freelance Writer

After capturing two out of three sectional prizes, student of the College of Agriculture Science and Education (CASE) and crowd favourite Janique McKenzie was crowned Miss Portland Festival Queen for 2007.

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) beauty pageant was held at the Bound brook wharf in Port Antonio - Sunday night, and from the offset it was obvious that Janique, who performed creditably during the pre-judging stages of the competition, was highly favoured to win.

The crowd that witnessed the event echoed shouts of approval when it was announced that Janique had prevailed. Only five contestants made it to the coronation stage.

Janique, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Technology degree in agriculture production and food systems management at CASE, said that there was no doubt in her mind that she would have won the prestigious Miss Portland festival Queen competition.

Her motivation

"I was motivated by my parents", she said. "I wanted to showcase my talent, so I took the decision to enter this competition - with maximum support from my family. Thefirst stage of the competition was a bit challenging, but as it progressed it got easier. I must also commend the trainers and the entire JCDC family," she said.

In securing the crown, Janique received a bundle of gifts including $10,000 from Coronation Bakery, a computer course from Institute of Business and Professional Studies, a weekend for two at Bath hotel and spa, furniture from Courts Jamaica Limited and a gift voucher from Touch of Class school of Beauty.

Sectional prize winner

The 2007 Queen, who wore the sash Miss Swift Cash Money Transfer, also secured two sectional prizes in most culturally aware and best performance. The other sectional prize was won by Merrissa Phillips, for most congenial.

Merrissa, who wore the sash Miss Juici Patties and who is also impaired in the areas of speech and hearing, is a graduate of the mount Aloysius College in the United States. She is now a Deaf Culture Facilitator (DCF) teacher at the Port Antonio Learning Centre.

The first runner-up spot was secured by Tamara Hylton, who wore the sash Miss Mack D's Auto Sales. She is a teacher at Happy Grove High School and is also a final year student at the University of the West Indies - pursuing a Bachelor's degree in human ecology.