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(The following is a transcript of the farewell address given by Terri before handing over her crown at the 2006 Miss Jamaica World Pageant Finals).
With this year’s Miss Jamaica World contest scheduled for August 19, Flair asked reigning queen Terri-Karelle Griffith to look back on the highlights of her year.
“And Miss Jamaica World 2005 is contestant number 14, Terri-Karelle Griffith.
I still pinch myself at the thought. It seems like yesterday I was going through the motions and preparations never imagining for a second that I would be the next queen. All sorts of emotions ran through my head and body, joy, shock (of course) was quite obvious to the people who watched it as I repeated the words, “Oh my God!”, “Oh wow” and “My puff”- just utter confusion), not to mention fear, “will Jamaica like me?” Well let’s just say that I was only too pleased to find out they did (or at least, I think so – smile).
Meeting this year’s finalists for the Miss Jamaica World pageant and having the opportunity to interact with them and accompany them on some of their travels, not only brought back fond memories from my experience last year but it has forced me to do the inevitable, that is, reminisce on my year that was. It seemed to pass so quickly but it’s like they say time flies when you are having fun. I can assure you that although enjoyable it was quite a productive year. Come with me as I share with you a few of my undertakings.
I visited primary schools particularly in the rural areas. God blessed my mother who was my chaperone and accompanied me on all my adventures despite the reddest of dirt, steepest of hill, potholes, rain or sunshine. Depending on the nature of the visit I was guest speaker, motivational speaker or guest judge. I will never forget the faces of the children bursting with energy, curiosity and pure glee saying, “she really come!” Despite the efforts of the principals and teachers to contain them, it was impossible to prevent the stampedes, hugging, kissing, tugging at my clothes and the playing in my hair.
They were as much an inspiration to me as I was to them. They received me well as they performed dance, song, poetry and much to my delight they promised that they wouldn’t let anything get in the way of fulfilling their dreams.
I thank the following schools: Southborough Primary, Airy Castle Primary, St. George’s Primary, Dundee Primary, Duhaney Primary, Gimme-me-Bit Primary, Alley Primary,
Washington Primary, Our Lady of the Angels, Hydel Group of Schools, Ascot high and Mount Zion Basic School.
Overseas I represented Jamaica at the 2006 Curacao Carnival, the Houston International Festival where Jamaica was the featured country – I was a guest model in Atlanta/MoBay Sister Charity Fashion show and, most recently, the Jamaica Independence Gala in Washington D.C. where the national costume was showcased as a tribute to the late great Ms. Lou.
Let’s not forget charity events which included: performing a dance at the powerful Women Perform in Concert, which was an experience that not only benefited the Mustard Seed Communities, but it also reminded me of how much I missed dancing (I guess I’m not too old to go back after all). The Caribbean Golf Classic Invitational invited me to be the charity ambassador where we provided primary schools with computers. I got the opportunity to meet actors Steve Harvey, Richard Roundtree and Anthony Anderson.
But probably the most memorable was the ‘Walkstackle for Charity’ at the Caymanas Park where I walk-raced to 3rd place, first female to cross the finishing line. By the way, it was 200m on the track with mud and from what I heard a lot of people won by betting on this filly aka BEAUTY/VET. (Ha Ha)
And then there was Francine Dillon who I met casually who suffered from thymic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. This was probably the most personal undertaking that I had. I was a spokesperson for her campaign to save her life and although we successfully raised the funds, she succumbed to her illness four days after arriving in the United States for surgery. She was an angel on earth and I was happy to have met someone so young but wise beyond her years. Rest in peace, Francine.
In these final weeks, I have been assisting the new contestants, curios myself who will ‘rob’ me of my crown this year. The crown and title are much more than just being beautiful, but involve being a public servant, being a good role model and ambassador and being willing to give of self. To the incoming queen, be yourself and know that your reign will be filled with fun, but also many duties and responsibilities.
What’s next for Terri-Karelle? Finishing up school. I look forward to returning to Cuba to complete my final year in veterinary medicine and hopefully, I will be able to establish myself as Dr. Doolittle in the great Jamaica.
To the youths of Jamaica you are ‘promises and possibilities’, AIM HIGH and DREAM BIG and remember that “you can accomplish all things through Christ who strengthens you.” To parents, continue to support, guide, love and encourage your little ones.
To Jamaicans, we have so much going for us. “We likkle but we tallawah” despite our size we have made significant strides with noteworthy achievements that have been recognized locally and internationally. Let’s stop crime and violence, stand together,
love and respect each other more as we try to create a nurturing society and a nation of quality.
It was a pleasure serving you for a year and I hope that I made an impact, no matter how small. Thank you for the love and support. I will forever be your Jamaican girl.
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