Raquel Wright is Miss Jamaica Universe 2005



The Queen and the runners-up: Raquel Wright, (second left) poses with second place winner Shemille Blake(left), and two third place winners, Carolyn Yapp and Chavoy Gordon.

EVEN BY pageant standards, the script turned with stunning swiftness. When Raquel Wright was announced as Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 at the grand coronation on Sunday night, it was the completion of a surprise ending to an intricately woven plot.

And never, maybe, was a third place announcement - joint, at that - met with such obvious shock.

By beauty pageant standards Carolyn Yapp was supposed to have been the winner of the pageant.

Everything was in place, it seemed, the right gown (she won for 'Best in Evening Wear'), the right attitude (she swung her shoulders and hips and smiled confidently as she paraded on stage throughout the night) and the backing of 'the people' (she won the 'People's Choice Award' and had her own cheering team present). There were at least two groups in the Hilton ballroom, one on each side, cheering for Carolyn, bearing banners with her name.

Given all of that, plus the fact that she had the experience to boot, having placed a very near second in the Miss Jamaica World pageant last year ­ and in that competition the 'people's choice', Tonoya Toyloy, had won, it seemed she should have won on Sunday.

SO WHY DIDN'T SHE?

Well, there were two (perhaps three) other girls who strutted in her way, the most impressive of which was the eventual winner, 23 year-old Raquel Wright. She won $2 million in cash and prizes the coveted crown and the title, the Miss Universe winner's wardrobe and the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe pagent in Bangkok, Thailand on May 31.

But, the look of utter disappointment on the face of the second runner-up Yapp, even as she tried desperately, but in vain to cover it with a smile, was enough to make a sympathetic audience member want to cry. She looked like she would cry as she shared third place, another pageant plot twist, with Chavoy Gordon.

Shemille Blake, a crowd favourite, placed second and a very ecstatic Raquel Wright, became the new Miss Jamaica Universe. Raquel also won the 'Most Congenial' contestant award, what is thought to be the 'booby prize' of pageants, usually reserved for the girl who never stood a chance of winning the title in the first place.

WHAT A TWIST

Shemille Blake won prizes for being the 'Most Aware' and 'Most Photogenic' contestant, while Chavoy won for being the 'Best in Swimsuit'. Natalia de Lisser completed the top five.

The disappointment of one contestant did not overshadow the joy of another, though, and Raquel celebrated with her friends, family and well-wishers afterwards. "It's been a great experience," she breathed, between sips of water and trying to compose herself. "I wasn't sure I was going to win, but I think I am quite deserving," she said.

Raquel wore a red, sequinned gown with a satin strap that crossed one shoulder, designed by Uzuri. In fact, Uzuri designed all the gowns worn by the 13 contestants.

The show, which started promptly at 8 p.m. was enjoyable throughout and, with the exception of a few minor glitches, ran smoothly. After a dramatic opening which served to introduce the finalists in a 'Chicago'-styled vaudeville presentation, the show continued with the contestants in swimwear by Mushroom.

Amid the beauty and pageantry of the ceremony, the show went a bit down to earth with performances by singer G-Whiz, with Treat Her Like a Lady, and the 'Crew Demolition' dance group, with a breakdance routine.

Contestants also added to the performance segment of the show, with songs, poems and mini skits about love and self-affirmation in a script that was well rehearsed and well presented. This talent section, however, did more to highlight the lack thereof, with quite a few of the contestants singing flat and off-key. Djavila Smith, however, the sole dancer of the finalists, stuck to something with which she is obviously familiar and gave what may have been the best (though very brief) performance of the group.

In the end, the package was well presented and at the end of the night, none could be heard complaining of the outcome - not even one disappointed contestant.

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Ms. Classy

Raquel has priorities 'wright'


Miss Jamaica Universe 2005, Raquel Wright poses during the Grand Coronation show on Sunday at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.

ONE DAY, as Raquel Wright stood on the Piazza d'espana, one of Rome's major tourist attractions, a man walked up to her with a long stemmed red rose. "This is for you," he said. "You are a very lucky woman."

This is, in her words, the most interesting thing that has happened to her. But that was before the Grand Coronation of the 2005 Miss Jamaica Universe last Sunday, when Raquel walked away with the coveted crown at the Hilton Hotel in New Kingston.

That man may have issued prophetic words, but one is wont to think that Raquel's win had a bit more to do with preparation and hard work than luck.

Raquel grew up in Kingston, where she attended the St. Andrew High School for girls. She describes her childhood as one filled with "lots of fun and excitement, guided by high standards and principles, backed by strong family ties". Having earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Politics at Itacha University (New York), Raquel is set to begin studying Law following her reign as Miss Jamaica Universe, or Miss Universe, given the outcome of the international competition.

As we sit down for the interview, the smile from meeting members of the newsroomlingering on her face , she seems a very gracious and charming woman ­ in her words, 'bubbly'. As the question of appearance is raised, Raquel is the first to point out her 'height problem'.

There is really no problem with her height, as she is 5'6". While that is the average height for many women, ­ and Jamaicans are averse to their beauty queens being 'average' in any way ­ in pageant jargon 5'6" translates to 'short'.

Many people, she says, have pointed to her height as a drawback to her winning the coveted crown in Bangkok, Thailand, where the 2005 Miss Universe will be crowned on May 31.

"It wasn't until Sunday night that people said 'you're not worried about your height?' and that was the first time in two months that I actually gave it some thought," she said.

But height is just about the only thing 'average' about Raquel. She has an effervescent personality that is heady and contagious, and a maturity and focus that belie her 23 years. Plus, in her opinion (and she says this in a way that brooks no objection), "I really think I'm a very unique person in terms of the package that Raquel has to offer".

It is a confidence which carries to the to the question that must be asked for a second time, the first being when Tonoya Toyloy won the Miss Jamaica World title in 2004. Given the fact that you do not look like the traditional beauty, (think Christine Straw, MJU 2004, Kimberly Mais, MJU 1991, Sandra Foster, MJU 1989, and even the reigning Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins) what do you think are your chances in the Miss Universe Competition?

Raquel thinks her chances are great, just like any other contestant before her, traditional beauty or not. She invokes the memory of Lisa Hanna, Miss World 1993, whom she says many people thought was 'too dark', and "the jewel of the Caribbean", Wendy Fitzwilliam, who won the Miss Universe title for Trinidad in 1998 and who was also 'very dark' by public opinion.

Raquel is a beautiful girl, by any standard. And, as she points out, she possesses that which is even more valuable than the height. She is confident and intelligent, qualities which undobtedly impressed the judges.

"I think my personality and my intelligence set me... You know, I think I make up in so many other areas, so you don't see the five foot six, you see the bubbling, charismatic person and I think that is what counts more than being light-skinned and tall and 'beautiful', traditionally," she said.

"I think it really is just what you have to offer, what else you have to offer. And I think I was able to be a combination of all those things ..." She pauses, adds "minus the height" and laughs.

Raquel, also thinks that people are beginning, as she says, "to understand that beauty is not necessarily defined by physical attributes and limited by physical attributes."

ONE LOOK

"We have a plethora of races and ethnic groups in Jamaica and so to continue sending one look does not even make sense," she said.

There is no hint of malice in her voice or attitude as she says this. In fact, one does not think of malice in her company. So there is some surprise when she explains that her biggest concern going into the pageant was, in fact, malice.

"One of my biggest fears was going into a pool of contestants who would not necessarily be...", she pauses to consider, "warm." "Because I'm a friendly person. I'm a very real person," she says. If you were to ask one of the other contestant, they would most likely agree. In fact, she received the Most Congenial prize during her coronation, decided by the contestants, a prize she says means a lot.

"It is dear to my heart, because that's really how I am. I'm very friendly," she says.

Raquel perceives herself in a very positive and wholesome way and often speaks in the third person, reflecting someone who has some personal insight.

She is also aware of the fact that Jamaica has never won a Miss Universe title and that whoever breaks that trend would be making history. The idea is not daunting.

WANT TO MAKE HISTORY

"I'm going in with the mentality that I want to be the first. I want to make history. I want to be the first Miss Jamaica (to win Miss Universe). I don't feel pressured. I feel encouraged and driven to do it. I think it is not necessarily what people want for me, but what I want for myself. So I guess it would be more of a pressure issue if I thought 'oh I'm Miss Jamaica, I have to do this'."

And the introspection comes. "It's more like 'you know what Raquel, I think that you really stand a chance. I think that you have a lot to offer. You love your country and you will be a good representative of your country."

"I dont feel pressured. I feel very driven and passionate about it."

One of her main goals in representing Jamaica, she says, is to help dispel the negative stereotypes of the country. "I want to change the negative views on Jamaica, that we're an aggressive, crime-ridden and violent society. I want to go there and prove to people that I represent an island of potential."

She relates an incident when she was on her way from Germany and was greeted at immigration by an officer who was impressed with the fact that she is a Jamaican. In a German accent she imitates what was apparently a humorous incident of being lauded for being born in the country of "Bob Marley, reggae and jerk chicken."

"You go anywhere in the world," (she acts out the scene in a fake German accent, while imitating the man's animated response) "everybody know Jamaica."

It is this lighter, more positive side of Jamaica that Raquel says she wants to promote, even while admitting that the crime problem will no doubt be an issue.

Outside the competition, though, there is one thing that bothers Raquel. "I worry about disappointing the people I love and disappointing myself."

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Ms. Classy

Raquel Wright triumphs at Miss Jamaica Universe 2005



Raquel Wright Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 flanked by runners up.
The queen Raquel Wright (second left) flanked by her runners-up Shemille Blake (second place - left), Carolyn Yapp (tied third), second right, and Chavoy Gordon (tied third).

It was a case of the "wright" young lady taking home the title of Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 on Sunday night inside the ballroom of the Hilton Kingston Hotel.

Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 Raquel Wright
Administrative and reservations manager at a luxury tour company, Raquel Wright (Miss Carimed Antiseptic Mouthwash) emerged as the winner in what many pageant observers say was one of the closest contests to call in many years.

"I worked very hard for this moment, and was prepared mentally for anything to happen, win lose or draw," the delighted Wright told the Observer after her victory.

Describing the moments after third and second places were announced and only two contestants were left from the top five, Wright said: "I am not normally a nervous person but when it reached to that stage in the competition I was on my knees holding the hands of Kimberly (Kimberly Hitchins, another contestant) for dear life as I realised that it was now down to two, Natalia de Lisser and myself.

I can't really describe how happy I felt when my name was announced as the winner. It was really a moment to savour"

Miss Jamaica Universe contestants showing off their dancing skills at the start of the coronation show on Sunday night at the Hilton Kingston Hotel. Eventual winner raquel is second from left. (Photos: Bryan Cummings)
Wright was also voted Most Congenial by her fellow contestants. Shemille Blake (Miss Lux Skincare) placed second and won the sectional prizes for Most Photogenic and Most Aware.

For the first time in the history of the competition, there was a tie of any kind, as Chavoy Gordon (Miss First Union Insurance) and Carolyn Yapp (Miss Captain's Bakery) together placed third.

The newly crowned queen said she was looking forward to represent Jamaica with distinction at the Miss Universe finals in Thailand in May.

"I am really, really looking forward to representing Jamaica in Thailand. I know I have to continue working hard to be at my best when the Miss Universe coronation comes around and I am ready for the rigours of training that will begin soon. My parents and my brother will be in Thailand also to give me support," Wright said.

She also debunked the mental stereotype attached to beauty contest, saying the experience of participating in the Pulse-organised event is one she will always remember.
"All the girls in the competition this year challenged the *****y, catty stereotypes usually associated with girls in a beauty contest.

Instead we all had a good time, we worked hard and, importantly, we all supported each other. I was particularly happy when all the girls in the contest came on stage to offer their congratulations after I was announced as the winner," Wright said.
The 2005 Miss Jamaica Universe coronation show opened with dancers from the Company Dance Theatre dressed in black, going through an energetic dance piece.

They were joined on stage by the 13 contestants in the competition. Donning black hats, red feathers and black bustier tops, the girls were greeted with loud cheers as they hit the stage.

During the swimwear segment (which was won by Chavoy Gordon), the girls strutted down the runway in swimwear by Mushroom.

Designers Uzuri International again outdid themselves as their creations were eye-catching and elaborate. They dressed all of the contestants in the evening wear segment. Yapp's aqua blue glittering body-hugging outfit won the prize for the Best Evening Wear.

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Ms. Classy

Raquel Wright - more than just a beauty queen

Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 visits with TeenAge writers



Miss Jamaica Universe Raquel Wright
She is slim, well-toned, gorgeous and a very determined young lady. She is Raquel Wright, the newly crowned Miss Jamaica Universe 2005.

The 23 year-old beauty queen is a past student of St Andrew High School for Girls, and Ithaca College in the United States where she received her Bachelors in Politics and Sociology. She plans to study law in England or the US in the near future.

Raquel leaves in two and a half weeks to represent Jamaica in Thailand where the Miss World Universe Competition will be held.

She is very interested in politics and so one of her major plans when she returns from Thailand is to get the youth of Jamaica interested in their country.

"One of the things I am very interested in is having youth forums. I am not advocating for any particular political party, I am an advocate of politics," the beauty queen said.

She believes that the economy needs fresh, new and young ideas and who better to do it than our own youth of this country.

Raquel Wright signing autographs for Observer TeenAge writers last Saturday

This is one very determined beauty queen who is willing to change the face of beauty pageants and one who is definitely not about plastic smiles.

Raquel says that life is a risk, and by the looks and sound of it, Raquel seems to be ready for whatever comes her way.
Last Saturday, Raquel visited with members of the Observer's TeenAge Writers' Club where she spoke openly about her life; answered questions posed by the teens and signed autographs.

Zoe Arscott (ZA): What inspired you to enter the Miss Jamaica Universe Competition?
Raquel Wright (RW) When I was in school abroad I was always selling Jamaica, telling everyone about our food, beaches and our people. I realised that I wanted a creative outlet to sell Jamaica on an International scene, so former Miss Jamaica Sanya Hughes, one of my best friends said I should enter Miss Jamaica Universe as it's a great way to start. She was my main motivation.

ZA: Why did you choose now to enter?
RW: Well, because I am not stressed with work and school so in terms of flexibility, I am flexible. Also I think my age was right especially after living in England for a couple of years and meeting peoples from all over the globe , if I did it when I was younger I wouldn't be able to contribute to the country as much.

ZA: What is your view about what a lot of people say about beauty contests, that is, these contests are all about white or fair skinned tall women?
RW: A couple of years ago I do think they had a colour preference, but I think that has changed. I think they are now looking for the overall package, a person who is warm and charming but beauty will always be in the eye of the beholder.

ZA: What was your favourite part of the whole process?
RW: The travelling and the making various appearances, going out of town and the luncheons.

ZA: What is your typical day like?
RW: I work 8 to 5, go to the gym for two hours every day and I have voice, speaking and grooming classes.

ZA: What is your favourite food?
RW: Everything. I like to eat. But fish and festival would be my favourite. I also love patties, Chinese, and oxtail.

ZA: What exactly about Jamaica do you want to sell?
RW: I want to sell more than what we're known for - the sun, beaches, people - but sell the culture, although we have our short-comings, that is, the crime and violence. I want them to know there's more to us.

ZA: What types of fashion do you like, what do you like to wear?
RW: I love to wear pants or a really nice pair of jeans with a really nice top or shirt. I am very versatile.

ZA: How have you been treated since you have been crowned?
RW: Like a celebrity, (laughs) people have been very fascinated with me. It is a good feeling though.

ZA: What is your all-time thing to do?
RW: Eat, I really love eating and going to the beach.

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Ms. Classy