Ms Jamaica Pageant - History

by Marguerite Carby
(Miami Florida)

QUESTION: Marlene Murray was crowned as the FIRST MS. Jamaica 1962 in the year that Jamaica got it's Independence, she was not a Jamaica Festival Queen but the first Ms. Jamaica Independence Queen.

What happened to all the Queens before Jamaica became Independent for example:

Judy Willoughby Ms. Jamaica 1960 crowned Margaret Lewars as Ms Jamaica as 1961.

Margaret Lewars Ms Jamaica 1961 crowned Marlene Murray as Ms Jamaica 1962.

Marlene Murray Ms Jamaica 1962 crowned Carol Joan Crawford as Ms jamaica 1963.

Carole J Crawford Ms Jamaica 1963 crowned Mitzie Constantine as Ms Jamaica 1964 but Carol Joan Mc Farlane represented Jamaica in the MS World Contest.

Do you have any books and pictures of the Former Beauty Queens before Spartan took over I am speaking from years 1956 to 1962

The Jamaica Beauty Contest did not start in 1963 and these facts was given by Ms Marlene Murray who refuses to accept that you are now referring to her as MS Jamaica Festival Queen as she was the LAST "QUEEN" of the Ken Rhino Era and the FIRST Independent Queen when Jamaica got it's Independence in 1962.

Ken Rhino produced the Ms Jamaica Contests from the 50s to 1962.

ANSWER: by Wellesley July 9, 2012


Awesome! Are you Jamaican Marguerite?

You clearly seem to have a good grasp of the history of beauty pageants in Jamaica.

Unfortunately, when much of the original happenings were taking place I was not around :-) and I can't recall seeing nor hearing about a book that captures such history. That would surely be a great piece of literature though! I'll be checking the gleaner archives to see what I can find.

I am also going to solicit suggestions from my seniors, peers and friends on this one. In the meantime, please follow the comments on the link below, I am anticipating that someone will provide some feedback on this soon.

Stay in touch my friend! And thank for this excellent query, turns out I'm learning more from you than you from me on this one :-)

Regards,
Wellesley

Comments for
Ms Jamaica Pageant - History

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Jul 11, 2012
 I know three of the Miss Jamaica Beauty Queens NEW
by: Paula Loraine Regina Roche (Reilly)Anonymous

I cannot believe it but I acted at the Ward Theatre with Ms. Willowby, I once dated Michael Crawford and was with his family when Carol his cousin won the Miss Jamaica Contest. She is breathtakingly beautiful. She later became the first Miss Universe from Jamaica!!And finally I was friends with Mitzi Constantine. I also entered the contest with Marlene and was placed I think Runner-up but the title had been changed to another name. It was not the Miss Jamaica contest.
Jul 12, 2012
 Correct Ttile Name for Ms jamaica 1962 NEW
by: Marguerite

Hi Wellesley
thanks for your reply I got all this information from Marlene (Murray) who was visiting me that day

It really would be nice if someone could compile a Book of Memories or ALL the Jamaica Beauty Queens, Festival and Farm Queens from 1956 to 2012,

I am sure that this would be a GREAT seller maybe you could have dialog with Mikey Haughton-James and he could check into the older queens..maybe Mr Edward Seaga would have some information that he could contribute

I look forward to reading comments and if someone could clear up the "Title" I would greatly appreciate it

I would think that the "powers that be" would have invited and included her (Marlene Murray) and her Runner Ups, in the "Jamaica 50 Celebrations" considering that she was the reigning Queen at that time.(1962) guess things do not work that way down there

to answer your question yes I am 100% born and bred Jamaican..smile now living in South Florida waiting and anticipating your reply , have a great and safe day..
Aug 08, 2012
 Miss Jamaica NEW
by: Anonymous

I just want to correct a few points Corole Joan was Jamaica First MISS WORLD in 1963 Erica COOKE repres. Jamaica at 1964 Miss World and not Coral McFarlene she was 1965 Miss Jamaica. The Fisst Miss Jamaica was held in 1932 with a Lady from Portland was the winner and it will be great if one of you could do a book about the history of our Beauty Queens before Spartan: Judith Verity Evelyn Andrade Joan Duriple and so on Thanks Winston.
Aug 09, 2012
 Looking for an old friend NEW
by: Helen Matthews

Good day - I have been searching for Marlene Murray and Judy willoughby (I think she is Trinidad) for years. Before I left Jamaica we were friends, I just lost touch and now it seems to be escaoping me. I would love to be able to say (or write a word).

Anyone can help?

Kind regards,
Helen
Aug 09, 2012
 Marlene Murray NEW
by: Marguerite

Ms Matthews you can email me and I will forward your information to Marlene so that she can contact you she does not have an email address.

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