Look at that smile! Miss Zimbabwe Cynthia Muvirimi is beaming after she was crowned Miss Global International. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

It was a case of same country, different wearer, as Miss Zimbabwe, Cynthia Muvirimi, took the Miss Global International crown at the coronation on Sunday.

Muvirimi succeeded her countrywoman Ropa Garise who took the title last year. Unfortunately Garise was unable to attend so former Miss Jamaica Universe and World Christine Straw presented Muvirimi with her crown.

Once again, the lady who represented the southern African country was full of poise and spunk, but in a quiet, unassuming way. Must be something in the water down there.

The parade of nations was a sight to behold as the 15 queens brought out some fine costumes to awe the crowd. That paved the way for the swimsuit contest which had the men hooting and hollering like excited schoolboys. And who could blame them? These young misses know how to take care of themselves, that's for sure.

By now the audience was totally enthralled by the sheer beauty and confident strutting of the queens. The talent section further enhanced the fun. Eight of the finalists had been shortlisted to perform. Among the notable performances were Miss Nicaragua, Kathiel Lampson, with an energetic, hip-shaking dance; Miss Jamaica, Camille Box, did an excellent dramatic piece depicting a typical schoolgirl; and Miss Botswana, Vehae Tjiriange, brought out the laughs as she depicted a Botswana mother-in-law nagging her new daughter-in-law. Miss Bahamas, Sharon Rolle, took the prize though after showing her flexibility with an eye-popping display of dancing.

Calibre of the contestants

One of the biggest attributes of the contest is the calibre of the contestants. Entrepreneurs and university graduates looking to extend their education are always part of the mix in this pageant. So no airheads here then, and after the top five of Miss Nicaragua, Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Jamaica, Miss Botswana and Miss Zimbabwe all handled their questions fairly well, it was up to the judges.

They decided on Muvirimi, who couldn't hold back the tears as she stepped forward to receive her crown. First runner-up went to Miss Botswana with Jamaica finishing as second runner-up.

Sharon Rolle, Miss Bahamas, was a crowd favourite in this dress.

Miss Nicaragua, Kathiel Lampson, had one of the top costumes.