Tiffany Ellis, Miss Optimum Care. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer Name: Tiffany Ellis
Age: 17
Height: 5'10 1/2"
Vital statistics: 34-25-38
Occupation: Student
Sponsor: Optimum Care
Gleaner: Why did you decide to enter the competition?
Tiffany Ellis: It has always been a dream of mine. I have been entering beauty pageants since I was age 14 and this has always been one of my long-term dreams to enter a competition like this. It is a good opportunity to meet many intellectual people and to represent my county in a positive way.
G: What is your definition of a beauty queen?
TE: It is not necessarily your outer beauty, but your personality has a lot to do with it. I believe that brings all that out with a beautiful physical appearance and that is what I consider to be a true beauty queen.
G: What do you expect to achieve by entering the competition?
TE: I'm a very shy person and I would like this competition to help me be more confident in myself. It has been teaching me to be a lot more aware of my surroundings and meeting new people. It sets a platform for you and opens doors to new opportunities that will help in future endeavours.
G: What is your best asset?
TE: It would be my personality. I'm a down-to-earth person and people respect me for who I am. I pay respect where it is due. I'm also a fun, jovial person.
G: How would you sell Jamaica to a foreigner, in light of the high crime rate?
TE: Jamaica is not all about crime. The first thing they say about us isour high crime rate, but there are so many other things apart from that. We have a beautiful scenery, our culture, the people. Everything in culmination brings out the beauty in Jamaica. It is also a good place for investment opportunities and for tourist services.
G: What do you love the most about Jamaica?
TE: Its people. I believe that we are a powerful people, strong, and we excel in whatever and wherever we go. I am proud to say I am Jamaican.
G: If you could meet one person, who would it be and why?
TE: That would be Iman. I believe she is a wonderful woman. Not only has she created make-up to enhance the beauty of women, but she has made contributions to charities and other worthy causes and because of that I look up to her.
G: If you win, what sector of the society would you work with?
TE: I would try to focus more on the children. I believe that the children are our future and we need to try and give them the best care as possible for a better Jamaica. I would let them get educated, get them off the streets and get them in a comfortable place to live in, as this can promote a better Jamaica and help to reduce crime nowadays.
G: If you were the Prime Minister, what changes would you make and how?
TE: I would want to ensure everyone in my country has access to good quality education facilities. Without education we can't succeed in life. I would create more jobs, so those who finish their education will have access to good employment and reduce the crime rate.
G: What do you hope to achieve in five years?
TE: I hope to achieve my bachelor's degree in science and I hope to be getting ready to do my master's in environmental geography and mass communication, and I would also like to bring about a charity support for all homeless children. I love children and I want to do my best to get them off the streets. I want them to look up to me as a role model.