Miss Jamaica in 1961 & 1962?

by Bob
(Phoenix, AZ USA)

QUESTION:.

Who was Miss Jamaica 1961 & 1962?


ANSWER: by Wellesley Gayle, November 6, 2009



Hi Bob,

There was a Miss Jamaica Festival Queeen in 1962, Miss Marlene Murray, but the beauty contest officially started the following year.

According to the Jamaica Gleaner,

The Miss Jamaica Beauty contest began in 1963. Most most of the winners and runners-up going on to compete in international beauty pageants.

The contest started the same year as the festival song and school festival arts competitions. The Festival Office (now the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission -- JCDC) was also created that year in celebration of independence.

The first official Miss Jamaica beauty queen, Carol Crawford, went on to win the Miss World contest later that year (1963)in London, England.

In its early years controversy surrounded the competition. In 1964, organisers sent the runner-up to compete in the Miss World contest instead of the winner, Mitsy Constantine (later Seaga), who wanted to have her mother act as her chaperone.

The issue of colour and favourtism to contestants of lighter hues also plagued the pageant.

In the mid 1970s there was a shift as the Festival Office took over the running of the contest and emphasis was placed on cultural awareness, talent and community development.

The beauty pageant component was awarded to Spartan Health Club which today organises the Miss Jamaica World contest.

Full Story in Jamaica Gleaner Article. See also - JCDC's Festival Queen winners

I hope that helps.
Stay in touch.


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