Yendi Phillipps
In August, Miss Jamaica World 2007 Yendi Phillipps will hand over her crown, step down from the throne and become the girl next door.
But what legacy will she leave behind?
Early in her reign, the svelte and personable 22-year-old proved to Jamaicans that she was a beauty with a purpose. Shortly after Hurricane Dean struck, she was among the first group of concerned citizens to tour the worst-affected communities to see first-hand the extent of the damage caused by flood and strong winds. The images of loss and ruin moved her to organise a celebrity fashion and music show to raise funds for those affected, before jetting off to represent the island in the Miss World 2007 pageant in Sanya, China.
Having won many hearts locally for her effort, the project also gained international recognition when Phillipps received the Beauty with a Purpose prize at the Miss World contest. The Jamaican beauty also placed second in the Miss World Beach Beauty competition and although she did not make it to the final 15, Jamaicans declared her their Queen of Hearts.
The holder of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance and currently pursuing a master's in leisure management, Phillipps prides herself on keeping up with local and international current affairs. So, The Gleaner's Sacha Walters sought her views on a number of issues:
Your reign is ending in August, what have been the most satisfying and disappointing moments?
Most satisfying would probably have to be, there is so much to it, but that I've got such a positive reception from the people and it has been an honour to be an ambassador for Jamaica. The most disappointing would probably be not, being able to bring it (the Miss Jamaica World title) home. It was disappointing because many people had high expectations.
On winning the Miss Jamaica World title, you said that there were a lot of things you envisioned for Jamaica, and you would use that platform from which to work to achieve this. What were these things you envisioned and have you achieved all of them?
I definitely envisioned being able to give back to the country and doing the Hurricane Dean relief was a part of that. As an artist, I wanted to be an ambassador for the arts in Jamaica and help with the development of youth. I started by setting up an art and sports summer camp recently.
I also envisioned taking my career to another level and transitioning to the media. I've definitely been able to do that. So, it's been a good year.
Sandra Bullock starred in two movies - 'Miss Congeniality' and 'Miss Congeniality II' - in which she portrays beauty queens as air heads. Is there any truth to this popular perception?
Miss Jamaica World
I don't think it's possible to generalise like that in any arena. In the Miss World pageant, many of the girls were doing medicine, they were doing law. So, I think from my experience to a great extent, the perception is false.
What is your favourite festival song and why?
Of all time? Probably Chiquitita (by Clive 'Snowball' Brown) just because I remember it coming out when I was in prep school and it was the bomb. We used to gather in front of the television to sing OOh Chiquitita.
How do you feel about beauty queens getting pregnant during their reign?
I think that it may be seen as taboo, but I believe you cannot plan for every single thing in life and I think it's how you deal with that that will garner respect. There are expectations of beauty queens, but beauty queens are human and with humans come human experiences.
What do you think about Jamaicans eating cassava instead of imported produce?
I think it's a fantastic idea. One, it's good for the economy in that it will reduce our imports. It will benefit us in that we can also export and I know that scientific research has shown that there are benefits for bitter cassava as well as sweet cassava. Bitter cassava being used for spray starch.
Do you think it's wise to invest $60m to translate the Bible into Patois?
It's good to acknowledge our local language because a large percentage of our population understands spoken Patois. However, the problem we have is our inability to read. I don't think putting the Bible in Patois will change that. It's a positive move. I'm not opposed to it, but I don't think it will affect the root problem.
Was Bruce Golding discriminating in his statements about not wanting gays in his Cabinet?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I think as a leader of an organisation or a country you have a vision. However, there is a change in the morality of the world where certain behaviours are becoming acceptable. I don't think you should express opinions to the public against sexuality, sex, religious beliefs, anything that has such an impact on such a large group. That's a personal move and it should not be allowed to trickle down. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with his statement. I just think it's risky.
As a young person, are you pleased with the direction in which the country is going? If not, why?
No ... I can't see a distinct direction. I feel like I'd like to see a blue print. I understand that change in a country doesn't happen in a year or two years, but I'd like to see the plan for the next five years ... the next 20 years.
Where do you see yourself in the next two years?
It might sound far-fetched, but I hope to be making international strides in the modelling and media world.
