Miss Universe experience 'dynamite', says Gemma
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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from June 1999.
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Greeted upon her arrival home by Mrs. Bette Jefferson, representing Tourism Minister Thomas Jefferson, her sister Keris and nephew Jamal, the chairman and members of the Miss Cayman Committee, and the media, Gemma said it was "really an experience of a lifetime." Returning with her were parents Sue and Paul McLaughlin, who were similarly enthralled by the Miss Universe experience.
Outlining her trip, Gemma said she travelled to Trinidad on 9 May, joining contestants from 83 countries as diverse as the Philippines, Canada, Ireland, Lebanon, some of whom she knew from her participation. tion in the Miss World contest last October. Gemma joined the other contestants from the Caribbean in playing hosts to the participants. "Unlike at the Miss World contest, we spent most of the time together, and really got to know each other well," she said. "The Trinidad experience was much more challenging for there were many activities, from early morning until late in the evening to keep us busy."
Gemma said the women were in float parades during three mini-carnival shows which were held especially for the pageant. They were also guests of honour during receptions at the President's and the Prime Minister's Houses, attended a "Caribbean Night" with top live performers, participated in a "TnT Benefit Fashion Show" for deceased Trinidadian queenmaker Kim Sabeeny, and were present at other re-Cont'd on page 10 from page 3 ceptions.
"The people of Trinidad were very excited about the event, and there were large crowds everywhere we went," said Miss Cayman. We toured landmarks and scenic areas, and attended a silent auction, where the Cayman Islands' contribution — a seven-night vacation donated by the Hyatt and a return ticket donated by Cayman Airways — was a popular item on the auction list."
Gemma said she established an especially close relationship with her roommate, Miss Bahamas Glennis Knowles, adding, "While some girls' rooms were very competitive and some were intense, our room was known as the 'friendly room."
Even so, in the final rush of excitement, she and other contestants did not sleep for the last 24 hours of the TnT Miss Universe visit. The televised show was broadcast to some 2.5 billion people across the globe.
Miss Cayman said she was especially proud of her Queen Conch costume, which she wore during the Miss Universe pageant. It was a contestwinning design by Miss Tammy Nixon, who was able to create the piece with Mr. Roger Hicks, a carnival costume designer from Trinidad who was recruited locally for Batabano preparations.
Expressing his delight at Gemma's representation, Mr. Jefferson said, "We have already had many positive comments from those attending the pageant, and Gemma has been an excellent ambassador for our Islands, as well as a contestant of high standing. I encourage others to consider entering this year's Miss Cayman Islands Competition, as it is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience, both at the local and international levels."
Young Caymanian women between the ages of 18 and 24 are eligible to enter the Miss Cayman Islands 1999-2000 pageant. Entry forms are available at the Tourism Ministry. The deadline for entry is Monday, 21 June. (GIS)
