Miss Global International Cynthia Muvirimi of Zimbabwe is flanked by first runner-up Vehae Tjirianje of Botswana (left) and second runner-up, Jamaica's Camille Box, during the Miss Global International Grand Coronation Show, at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Sunday night. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter

A new Miss Global International was crowned at the Jamaica Pegasus on Sunday night: she is Cynthia Muvirimi, Miss Zimbabwe.

She was among the 15 contestants who strut their stuff to impress the judges and the audience, and it seems she did just that.

Though the show started a little over an hour late, it was one of the few productions that went by quickly. The L'Acadco Dance Company did several African-inspired pieces throughout the night and the audience loved it.

The scanty audience also enjoyed some of the national costumes the girls paraded. Among the best costumes were Miss Nicaragua's, Kathiel Lampson, wearing a white costume with makeshift wings, and Miss Trinidad and Tobago's, Amanda Chedu, with a carnival inspired piece - she eventually won the sectional prize for 'Best Costume'.

Also getting a few stares from the audience was Miss United States, Jamie Varney; it was however, for the wrong reasons. While dressed in a Cherokee outfit, she donned red thigh length boots and did toned down body building poses.

Sectional prizes

Before the queen was crowned, the hosts, Alicia Moulton and Andrew Lawrence, announced the sectional prizes. Miss Bahamas, Sharon Rolle, was awarded 'Most Talented'; Miss Zimbabwe, Cynthia Muvirimi, 'Most Aware' and Miss Barbados, Cherrie-Ann Fung-A-Fat, 'Most Congenial'.

Throughout the show, Miss Bahamas, Sharon Rolle, had been a crowd favourite; however, to the surprise of many, she did not make the top five.

Those who didwere Miss Nicaragua, Kathiel Lampson; Miss Zimbabwe, Cynthia Muvirimi; Miss Jamaica, Camille Box; Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Amanda Chedu and Miss Botswana, Vehae Tjirianje.

The tense atmosphere intensified when the top three were announced. Miss Jamaica was the second runner-up, Miss Botswana, who most thought would win, came in second and Miss Zimbabwe emerged the winner.

Last year's winner was also from Zimbabwe, Miss Ropafadzai Garise, who was unable to attend the coronation show.