Danicka Reid crowned Miss Jamaica UK
Stunning Danicka Reid has been crowned Miss Jamaica UK 2016. Born in Jamaica and raised in the UK, the office based worker Reid celebrated her achievements in front of a capacity crowd at the prestigious Old Finsbury Town Hall in central London.
A capacity crowd including the recently appointed Jamaican High Commissioner Honourable Mr. Seth George Ramocan were in attendance on the night.
Miss Jamaica UK is the most established beauty pageant within the British UK Caribbean Diaspora and has recently celebrated its 27th year.
Past winners have gone-on to compete at international pageants including Miss Universe.
In more recent years former Miss Jamaica UK titleholder April Jackson who starred in last year’s TV show The Apprentice had previously competed ay Miss Jamaica UK. April unified titles in Jamaica and represented Jamaica at Miss Universe in 2008.
Miss Jamaica UK 2016 included four rounds including: Swimwear, Talent, General knowledge and evening wear. (Above) Kadedra Duffus.
Neesha Robinson (below) looked sensational as she walked the stage at Miss Jamaica UK pageant.
Yasmin Fletcher (below) looked fabulous accessorising the swimwear segment.
Yasmin Fletcher adds a touch of the tropics to the swimwear rounds below.
Stunning Chloe Calvin owned the stage at Miss Jamaica UK Pageant Show in London.
2nd runner-up Chloe Calvin customises her swimwear costume with a beautiful chequered bow.
Back stage (below) the contestants bonded ahead of the profiled show.
Marketing manager Patrick Weir said: “Miss Jamaica UK is the most established of Britain’s cultural pageants. This was the first year that the show based its entire focus on online advertising and marketing.
The campaign included eFlyers and although there was a very limited print edition in a local newspaper the animated flyers really caught the publics imagination. The show was a complete success.
There were plenty of awards on the including: Most Photographic: Yasmin Fletcher. Best Dressed: Danicka Reid.
General Knowledge: Contestant Neesha Robinson (below) proved a natural on stage as a public speaker in which she fully engaged her audience. In response to the question: “Which is Jamaica’s biggest parish?” Neesha’s informed response delighted the knowledgeable audience.
“You can either talk about land-size or population.” Robinson exclaimed!. “If you’re talking about land size then it is St Anne’s in which St Anne’s Bay is the capital. This is situated in the Middlesex County.”
Robinson went on to discuss notable people who have resided in this Parish. They include former UK High Commissioner Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, as well as recording artists Shabba Ranks, Busy Signal, Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey. “If you’re talking about population then of-course it’s St Andrews.” Neesha concluded.
Show co host DJ Elayne asked 1st runner up Kadedra Duffus to explain what the Jamaican Diospora is and the role it plays in the UK? Duffus replied: “The Jamaican Diaspora is the centre entity linking Jamaican’s here and abroad. There are three main branches the UK, Canada and the United States. In the context of the UK the Jamaican Diaspora aims to provide support communication collaboration and mobilisation between Jamaicans here in the UK and at home.”
“…The Jamaican Diaspora also aims to challenge the disconnect between Jamaicans here in the UK as well as Jamaican’s back at home.” Duffus also went on to explain how various organisations that have set up to projects to connect, inspire and preserve Jamaican culture and its rich heritage…”
Shaneka Knight, 21 (above) said: “The reason I joined Miss Jamaica wasn’t because of my physical appearance. Throughout the World Jamaica is appreciated for its culture, its sport, its food its people. This pageant is the only event that I would be supported and cherished for the depth of my knowledge and my passion for Jamaica. I realize that I accomplish and accompany everything that Miss Jamaica UK asks for, I’m graceful, I’m intelligent and I will forever be prosperous just like Jamaica and its people.”
Pictured above Yasmin Fletcher rocked a fabulous performance during the talent section.
Bianca Lobban 25 said: “I feel there’s been a miss education with regards to skin colour. We need to embrace our diverse skin colour…”
“…First and foremost I would love to start a government initiative whereby we could crack down on dangerous skin bleaching creams and rid them from the streets in England and in Jamaica. Secondly I would like to formulate a social action campaign to raise awareness of the side-effects of skin bleaching and the long-term side affects that it causes.”
Jamaican UK Commissioner Honourable Mr. Seth George Ramocan said: “Miss Jamaica UK has a special place in my heart as my own sister competed many years ago. Although she didn’t win she went on to achieve so much greatness in life as with so many more women the have competed at this prestigious event.”
Eventually the judges had to chose a winner, Jamaican born Danicka Reid graciously accepted the title of Miss Jamaica UK 2017. Danicka will embark on a year of experiences and fantastic career opportunities representing Jamaican people throughout the diaspora as Miss Jamaica UK.
Beautiful Kadedra Duffus, 19 (above) was chosen as the 1st runner up. Kadedra works as a Project Manager and part-time Business Student. Her parents are from Kingston, Jamaica.
Stunning BA (Hons) Media & Production student Chloe Calvin 21 was chosen as the 2nd runner up. Her parents originate from St Thomas and Hanover.
Recording artists who took to the stage included: Chereena Miller, Kelly MeSoftly (above), Cherine White and Muna Hashim. DJ BlackStar provided the music on the night.
Muna Hashim (above) wowed the audience with her soulful voice.
Fantastic performances from recording artists Chereena Miller and Cherine White (below).
The night also included a fantastic African inspired fashion show and live performances.
The audience was truly inspired by an African themed fashion show.
Dr. June Daley Pageant Originator said: “This was the youngest line-up of contestants in the history of the show and each and contestant showed maturity far beyond their years.”
Contestants can contact Flyer Newspaper for 3 Royalty Free pictures, which are available (Free of charge). eventsinprint@yahoo.co.uk
