On Sept. 24, 2011, The Grand Palladium Hotel & Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was filled with onlookers, previous pageant winners, media and officials to see who would be crowned Miss Global International 2011. Over 25 beauty contestants from all over the globe traveled from afar to compete for the prestigious title.
The crown went to 22-year-old model and fashion designer Yansy Vega. She also won a trophy for having the best costume. I got a chance to ask Vega how she felt about winning the crown and she said, “I never thought I would win.” After being a former beauty pageant contestant, judging, covering and having my own daughter in pageants, I blogged about who I thought would make the top five. Of course, Miss Puerto Rico was in my top five, I have a good eye for beauty!
All week long in Jamaica the girls have been exploring the beautiful country, meeting public officials and getting to know each other. I was there to capture and record all the excitement during the week of festivities. Miss Puerto Rico’s beauty was what caught the judges’ eye, as one of them shared with me, “she had a natural beauty.”
The show was very exciting with an opening number from the dancers from Grand Palladium Hotel and hosted by a local radio personality. All the girls came out in their best costumes representing their countries. Then they hit the stage again modeling swimwear. After deliberation, the field was narrowed down to the top 10.
Miss Australia, Greece, Belgium, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Bosnia, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Czec Republic and Jamaica all placed. I was very excited to see Cape Verde in the top because after being around her all week, I got to know a little bit more about this young lady and she had a great personality.
After the evening wear competition, the judges narrowed it down to the top five. I was biting my nails as they announced the girls. Miss Puerto Rico, Greece, Cape Verde, Bosnia, Jamaica all made it! After that, they asked the girls the question, “As Miss Global International, what would you do to promote your country?” Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Cape Verde gave the best answers.
After a quick break, they came back and brought out the crowns, sashes and trophies. All the contestants received a trophy and Miss Czech Republic won Best Smile, Miss Congeniality went to Miss Australia, Most Talented went to Miss Bahamas, Best Figure went to Miss Bosnia and Best Costume went to Puerto Rico.
Then it was time to announce what everyone was waiting to hear! Third runner-up went to Miss Cape Verde, Yasmine Lima; second runner-up was Miss Bosnia, Semira Hadzimehmedgoic; and Miss Global International 2011 went to Miss Puerto Rico, Yansy Vega. It was a first title ever for Miss Cape Verde’s country.
A lot of people thought Miss Jamaica was going to take the crown and you could see some of the girls were a bit disappointed. In the end, they all congratulated each other and gave each other hugs and kisses. That’s the thing about beauty pageants, there has to be a winner but after spending a full week with the girls, I saw nothing but smiles, good sportsmanship, professionlism and them having a grand time. I would like to thank pageant director, Lachu Ramchandani, for inviting me over to Jamaica and the staff at the Jamaican Tourist Board.
