Misha Lobban, Contributor

Zahra (right) and Candace

A faithful friend is the medicine of life. (Apocrypha)

In March 2007, Zahra Redwood created history when she was the first Rastafarian beauty to walk away with the Miss Jamaica Universe title. In addition to the crown, she won the prizes for being the 'Most Congenial' and 'Most Aware' contestant.

She further created history as the first Rastafarian to compete for the Miss Universe title in May 2007. Her twisty black dreadlocks massed into a huge bun made her stand out uniquely in the Miss Universe line-ups.

This 26-year-old beauty queen has captured the attention of Jamaicans and others internationally with her beauty, articulateness, charm and intelligence.

Currently, a medical representative for the local branch of a multinational pharmaceutical company, Zahra holds a double major in biotechnology and zoology. She has a passion for mental health and plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Through the eyes of one of her closest friends, Candace Alexander, 24-year-old graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, who is preparing to do further studies in dentistry at UWI, St. Augustine campus, we gain interesting insights about our unique and extraordinary beauty queen. We asked her the same set of questions we had been asking the other friends we have featured.

How did you meet Zahra Redwood?

Both Zahra and I were pursuing our Bachelor of Science degrees at the University of the West Indies (Mona) when we became lab partners and the rest is history.

How long have you been friends?

It has been about seven years since that day and our friendship has evolved since then.

Tell us what you admire most about Zahra and why do you think you have remained friends all these years.

One of Zahra's most admirable attributes is her ability to interact and relate with people from all walks of life. We'll be on the road and before you know it Zahra is engaged in a conversation with someone she has just met. Zahra has her quiet moments. She is very introspective and acknowledges her mistakes. She constantly strives to improve and be better and encourages others to do the same. I also think her openness and willingness to give and receive advice and criticism are among the reasons our friendship has lasted and will last throughout the years.

Share with us one of the happiest moments you have had with her?

The happiest moment we've shared is definitely the night she was crowned Miss Jamaica Universe! We were all so very excited! I knew she had a great chance but nothing could have prepared us for that moment!

Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Zahra?

A go-getter. Zahra is resilient and is very focused on her goals. She is a dreamer and is not afraid to think big. Once Zahra decides to accomplish something, be prepared to see it happen.

What are her favourite food, favourite music and favourite sport?

Bwoy, Zahra just eat food! She brags a lot about her mother's culinary skills but she never gives us any of the treats (she's too busy eating it all by herself). Being a vegetarian she ensures that she gets all the nutrients from her food.

Zahra loves reggae music. She's a big fan of Bob Marley, Damion "Junior Gong" Marley, Tanya Stephens and Taurus Riley.

One of the funniest pictures of Zahra is when she is horseback riding in the sea. She also loves (to speak about and watch) bike riding and car racing. However, I wouldn't be too surprised if I see her racing at Dover one of these days. Zahra can be unpredictable.

Tell us the colour you best associate her with:

Yellow - signifying someone you'll never forget

Orange - signifying someone you consider your true friend

Red - signifying someone you really love

Green - signifying someone you'll remember for the rest of your life

Zahra is a dear friend. We have our differences of opinion and perspectives at times but we also share similar ideas and interests. The colour I would associate with her is red - someone I'll remember for the rest of my life.

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